Predictions for returns on the August kings on the Skok is poor. There has been a request for input on how to best structure the recreational season to minimize impacts.

One of the issues is related to catch and release mortality. The end of August sees a much higher impact related to catch and release, than does early August. With an estimate of 1 out of 4 fish released dying, and the numbers of fish kept closing in on 1 out of 4 by the end of August (because they are darkening up), by the end of the season for each fish kept the impact is actually 2 dead fish. Early in the season most people are keeping their first legally (no need to comment on that) caught fish.

My prejudice is for an early season, with days being chopped off at the end of August. The other options are to start the season later, or to make it open only certain days of the week.

If my numbers are off would someone from WDFW please correct me by PM and I'll fix it. I'll add in whatever predicted returns, and mortality numbers I get.

If the managers involved in the North of Falcon process aren't reading this, I'll talk with one of them by phone. However, chances are your input will be read right here on the board.

Please keep this discussion on how you'd like to use a limited number of days on the Skok. Don't pollute the thread with commercial fishing/tribal fishing/global warming/skok snagging/hemorrhoidal itching arguments. The manager I've talked with on the phone already gets a migraine dealing with a contentious process. I'd like to give him a straight answer to a straight question. Here it is one more time:

If the recreational chinook season on the Skok needs to be limited, would you rather see it start late, end early, or restricted to certain days of the week?

Thank you.

And although unrelated, I just had a pleasant memory of seeing strangers, and friends spend an afternoon picking up trash on that river. AuntyM, her spouse, and the two fella's who's board names I can't remember, I've got a free seat for you in my boat. AuntyM, do you remember those gents names?


Vince