Originally Posted By: freespool
Originally Posted By: slabhunter
Last couple of years I've trolled barbless out of Cathlamet.

It is not rocket science. Barbless minimizes handle; slack line and the unmarked fishes are free, untouched.

For Sure. A study needs to be done to see how many actually live to spawn after encountering sport or commercial gear. Washington sportfishers are paying the CRE to fund the gathering of data.


The ODFW did exactly that, it also found that it doesn't make a difference in what hook you use, it matters where you hook the fish.
This study took several years to complete, and it's been peer reviewed.
People make assumptions about this study, in an effort to discredit the findings, probably because it differs from their agenda , but the reality is they are wrong.



The thing sportfishers can do is minimize handling in the lower river.
I've testified in favor of barbless and the unmarked fish left in the water. Really, IMHO, the 30ft exemption should come with a Jesus box requirement like the commercial guys that haul fish aboard.
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