Salmo, WDFW states that wading, anchoring and running a sled can hurt spawning beds. Shouldn't we ban these as well? It can only help right? I know the intent of the lifting out of the water rule. It's the "one bad apple spoils it for everyone" mentality. Along the same thought processes most fisheries should be closed because of a few poachers or snaggers.
Maybe no fish to be released should be netted, lifted, or handled period? I am not really concerned about the rule as it is right now it's what it will become. Myself, I don't need a net to C&R a fish. If WDFW ever had a way they have lost their way mired in little regs that have no real impact on preserving or rebounding fish populations. I resent where they are applying their efforts.
I better run out and buy yet another net, one I can net keeper kings with when I fish by myself because I gaurantee this rule is going to all waters soon.