So Oregon, Idaho, British Columbia have restricted the harvesting of wild steelhead to recreational sportfishers. Alaska offers a 1 fish kill on wild steelhead over 36 inches. But here in Washington, our fish harvest managers have concluded that we have much better habitat and better ocean conditions than the other 4. The thing that really gets me is how harvest managers, both fish and timber, utilize a public resource that is owned by all and give it away so a few can make a buck. What do the timber companies have to do with it? Study up on the Deer Creek situation then ask yourself if that was the best use of a public good.

I personaly hate treble hooks. I use barbless hooks regardless of what the studies say, because I know that it is much easier on me to make a quick release, which has to benefit the fish. I only know my results and they are a very high majority of the fish I catch while driftfishing is right in the corner of the mouth. With a quick turn of the pliers the fish is on his way without ever touching it.


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