You're right Hooked.........I should have made that clear......INTENTIONALLY kills a wild steelhead. I may have unintentionally, through no fault of my own, caused the untimely death of a native steelhead in the past 20 years or so. I don't think I have. They all swam away strongly, and even before Sparky's Law took effect, my buds and I always kept them in the H2o until it was time for a dripping wet photo. A quick one too.......

I like your driving analogy.

It seems that what is needed is frequent, constant education on proper handling techniques. And the less handling, the better. Respect for the fish results in better handling OF the fish. But as Vedder has told us many times, they are unbelievably tough critters................

I'm no Orvis catalog flyfisherman either (it always cracks me up how Orvis always gets smeared , nobody ever says "this flyfisherman looked like something out of a Sage catalog" ), I guzzle beer like there's no tomorrow and I love rare steaks and tequila.

It really does come down to intent. Anyone who's ever held a big wild nate in their hands and hasn't had that experience change them as they watch it swim away just doesn't get it. The DNA is too priceless to end up on a grill. that's what hatchery fish are for.

I love you too Aunty, but I'm with Stam and Todd on this one..............