Selective for more time on the water however I think it there should be a single hook regulation and make everyone buy fish (scale) friendly landing nets to reduce scale loss and fin ray trauma.

Beezer

I think that single barbless hooks in the salt would be a good idea. Better enforcement would be good too...If some of these guys saw people getting tickets for bad fish handling, they'd wise up fast.. I used those de-hookers and had good success.. A good net that minimizes scale loss should be mandatory...better yet...just dehook in the water... I saw much better compliance with private boaters than charters... The charters need more regulation..can you imagine how loud they would complain if they were gettting ticketed? And finally...how can you teach the average citizen to respect the resource when their only experience might be that?

Thanks very much for the input!

Responding to a couple questions...

The charter boat captains that spoke at the meeting are VERY concerned about their ability to comply with the new handling regulations. Some of them have no feasible way to release a fish without netting it and bringing it on board (for the reasons mentioned earlier - high sides, rough water, etc.). They did not bring the two topics up in a connected way (we don't want selective fisheries because we can't release fish), but that may be in their thought processes. Their stated intent was that their customers don't want to throw lots of nice fish back.

The charters are investigating the rubberized catch-and-release nets and are trying to work with the Department on a compromise.

I also believe that the charters at the meeting understand that there will be more money in their pockets with the longer, selective season.

Thanks again! I'll go back to listen mode.

Yes, i agree. Ive heard that up to 30% of hatchery coho that come up the Columbia are not clipped, that would help mortality rates also. Yes for selective.

I've been on a Westport charter when they had green horn deck hands that bonked unmarked fish brought on board, then "released" to avoid getting ticketed. What an awful sight! Still, I'd rather have longer seasons. We just need to have better releasing skills.

I kind of figured it was!


Cowlitzfisherman