Now you're getting sandy GBL. What I meant was post the pics and endure a little criticism because almost everyone that criticizes has intentionally harvested a big 5 or 6 year old fish at some time or unintentionally harvested a 3 year old Chinook that was to become a 6 year old fish in the ocean. Most here know how hard it is to revive a large Chinook after a long fight and I'm sure some of those fish die after release.

Like Jerry said, most of us have killed fish that, in hindsight, maybe we shouldn't have. Certainly, any of the more chronologically gifted folks were around when the rules were different.

I was taught that there is no way sport gear alone can overharvest a fish stock. We now know different.

If that fish had a low probability of revival/survival-and we do have studies to show areas where even the well released fish die-then killing it fine. Perhaps the question is not whether that fish, or a blackmouth, or whatever should be killed but rather should there be that fishery.

We see this argument with rockfish. If that fishery is going to catch on-target fish that you have to release, and if the released fish die; should there even be a fishery. And before jumping on me, if that fishery is OK then the chinook bycatch in trawls must be ok too because they are such a tiny part of the catch.

It is really complicated and very value driven. I think it is good that at least some folks here can have a civil discussion about it. I would like to know, though, why it is close to a capital crime to kill a wild steelhead but not a wild salmon.

Perhaps, eventually the answer will be one fish limits across the board. Not only here in WA, but also in Oregon, Canada and Alaska. And maybe, just like trout, even released fish count towards your daily quota. Now, to me this seems like a completely reasonable option for a lot of depleted fisheries. However, I know the backlash would be incredible.

I'm not as experienced in the fishing world as a lot of people on these forums, but from what I have seen on this forum and other forums is there are always a lot of angry "conservation minded" fishermen ranting about their respective fish and wildlife organizations and how stupid their decisions are when setting limits etc. I really find the hypocrisy astounding. I also realize I will make a lot of people angry with my accusation, but I am just calling the way I have seen it.

Personally, I would like to think I would have released this fish. But I have never faced that decision. But after reading what a lot of you post about environmental and direct human impacts have on these animals, I have a lot more respect for them.

All I can tell you is I will make a concerted effort to minimize my impact on this beautiful resource in Puget Sound and the surrounding rivers and lakes.

And by the way, these responses aren't just about breaking people's balls. Many of us are grown, mature(ish) adults who should always try and test our minds by engaging in discussions. It's important to keep the concept of environmental conservation fresh in everyone's minds.

Give that man a GOLD star!

" I would like to know, though, why it is close to a capital crime to kill a wild steelhead but not a wild salmon. "

The silence is defining do not you think CM? Ethically challenged comes to mind as it is a question that goes to the heart of what conservation is vs the soap box braying a bunch of PC crap.

This last statement made me think a bit. Maybe I am a hypocrite. I fish salmon in the ocean as meat fish. Steelheading is more of a holy grail type of thing for me. I guess I'm a hypocrite. I can live with that. The smaller kings eat better anyway as far as I'm concerned. Perhaps I will think twice before killing a fish of that size if I am ever so lucky enough to bring one to boatside. Chances are though,it goes in the box. I'm just being honest here.

Give the man a star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Intellectual honesty is the first step to become a advocate for not just the fish but a pragmatic honest approach to management of all harvest. You are much farther down the road than many / most on this BB but now Pop you need take the time to research just how Steelhead became the " holy grail " and get past your personal perceptions ( which I found extremely difficult ) of the old food fish / sport fish crap based in history and means ( $$$$$$ ). For me it was when I admitted to myself a Bullhead deserved the same respect and right to survive / prosper as a Chinook or Steelhead. No difference as a creature in natural order as the added value came only from my perception of the value of natural resources we exploit.

The natural order of things does not place values on spices as humans do, in fact many times a species such as Chum has FAR greater value to the natural order than say Coho or Steelhead. The vast majority of harvest destruction of stocks of salmonids has been due to the values humans place on a species not a natural one.

Shhh. The party is still roaring. Just keep organizing the deck chairs.

Putting aside the amazing fish that should have swam away in my opinion. Bleed, gill, gut and ice? What's the outfit treating their catch like this?

-S

The elephant in the room.

If bet money that since Pete got to fish during the beginning of the hectic steelhead season... They might have been out a couple hours at best. It's a 2-15 minute run to the good slots, so trashing the boat for one fish when you can just run back to the lodge in a half hour, doesn't usually fly with the charter captains in yak. You are so close to the harbor, it just seems easier to do it on a fillet table that can handle 60 pound kings, that's all...

I guess I am not that clever - anyone that can help me with a translation?

simple....

they dont fish that far away from the lodge, so they dont need to gut it and put it on ice on the boat... they caught the 1 fish and it takes 2-15 minutes to get back, start bleeding it, and gut it and ice it when they get back to the lodge, and have an area large enough to accomodate cleaning and filleting a fish that size....


as far as keeping it... opinions are like assholes, everyone has one...


nice fish GBL...

Thanks for clearing that up.

Another BIG boy....

Looks like the Skeena fish have arrived at Old Harbor



This one reportedly went 55 on a certified scale when the taxidermy man received it.

Feel free to PM me all the fish pron you want.
I never tire of dreaming of catching one myself.
Thanks again for posting,

Thanks dude.

I tried! Ha! Comprehension is all over the board when it's not face to face interaction...




On another note, Captn bled it the moment it hit the box. Not like it matters since none of us get to eat it, but all the charter boats I was able to participate with in Yakutat had very good fish care practices.

Da da dun dun dun....another one in the box....

Thx. Makes sense now. Hook a massive fish, leave the bite and run straight to the docks to bleed and clean it. Sounds normal.

no, use your nugget...

he probably was fishing for a bit, fought that thing for quite a while, was tired as hell after fighting that thing for a while, and said GO HOME... rip a gill, scoot 2-15 minutes back, and deal with it there after its bled out in the boat....

do i need to go full redneck?