I agree Bob, if I have gear on that will minimize any damage to a species that is closed-along with using proper release methods-kicking fish with feet is not one of them, I am doing less harm than those that have a fishing pole in one hand and a club in the other. This fall I will do some "steelheading" as I have in the past. If I want fish for the freezer I will fish the open waters. I am amazed at the decisions the DFW makes on what waters are open and which are closed-what mehtod do they use? Throw the Yahtzee dice and lets see how it all pans out, darts, pick a number, lets screw the sportsmen method. I "steelhead" knowing that yeah I may be doing some damage to some of these fish-but I am not up fishing on the redds, I am not snagging, no bait. SBH-Single BarbLessHook-seems to be a good start, if I hook one I unbutton it at the boat fish still in water-instead of picking the fish up with my pliers and letting the fish hang and yank,yank yank, splash, flop release. In return I volunteer and work stream enhancement when needed-all the time. I fished the Skagit last week-by the way Rick it was not me, I fished the lower for "Steelhead". I had a hard time keeping the low run of pinks off my SBHhook. I guess if I as a sportsman/person had a vote or a part of the decision making to what waters are open/closed, this would not seem so outlawish, apparently, my license does not give me that right. I like some of the ideas Bob had release all wilds, yearly limit are a good start. Maybe the state should force proper c&r techniques and outlaw the boot.

[This message has been edited by Coho (edited 08-31-1999).]