Another thing to ponder!!!! When I analyze the MSY model, my interpretation of one of the tenets is that anglers that practice C&R may not benefit at all. Assuming that steelhead C&R'd once may be caught again; all conservation-minded anglers do by releasing their native catch is to slow the rate of stock depletion. This makes it "easier," by reducing effort and cost, for meat hunters to get their limits. Because the fishing was so good, the meat hunters will be encouraged to continue fishing until their total costs (gas money, terminal tackle, physical & mental energy, etc.) exceed the returns in native steelhead fillets and roe.

Some may argue that seasonal limits may help this situation by limiting the native take by any one angler, on any one system. Yet, I have fished the peninsula often enough to see the dudes that pound these systems everyday! Some of these guys must be playing with 4 or 5 punchcards. I am not a rat or whistleblower, hence these areas and type of anglers will remain unnamed, but at times like this that I realize my efforts to conserve this awesome fishery go all for naught.