06-07-2016, 05:29 PM
[quote dubob][font "Times New Roman"] [/font][font "Times New Roman"] [/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]THIS IS NOT A CONDEMNATION OF ANY ONE ANGLER OR GROUP OF ANGLERS.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] [/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]However, I would like to offer this up for your consideration and possible implementation if, and only if, you deem it appropriate for yourself and your fishing philosophy. I’m talking about catch & release of kokanee salmon and only kokanee salmon.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] [/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]There are studies available that indicate the mortality rate of caught & released kokanee salmon is higher than for almost any other species of fish. There is even a good article on this subject from our own DWR: [url "http://wildlife.utah.gov/blog/2015/kokanee-to-release-or-to-keep/"]Kokanee: to release or to keep?[/url][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] [/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]Regardless of release methods, some of these caught fish are going to die. For me, I stop targeting salmon when I have my water specific limit on ice and change lures to those more appropriate to other game fish such as lake trout, rainbows, or cutts. I did catch a kokanee in the Gorge last year in 70 feet of water on a j-plug in August and had to release it because I already had my 3-fish limit. Stuff happens and I regret having to do that knowing that that fish probably did not survive that encounter.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] [/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]I’m not calling anybody unethical for continuing to target kokanee after keeping their limit, but would ask that you consider not continuing to fish for them just to rack up high numbers of kokanee caught in a day or during a multi-day trip.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] [/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]If you’re not a fish eater, then give them to friends or neighbors who would love to have some fresh caught salmon; trust me, they will be very thankful for the gift.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] [/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]The kokanee resource is a finite one and limits are in place for a reason. And again, THIS IS NOT A CONDEMNATION OF ANY ONE. Thanks for listening and I’ll step down off the soap box now.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"] [/font][font "Times New Roman"] [/font] [/quote]
Can I please share this on the Kokanee Forum Flaming Gorge? It is very excellent.
Mike Fresh
[signature]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]THIS IS NOT A CONDEMNATION OF ANY ONE ANGLER OR GROUP OF ANGLERS.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] [/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]However, I would like to offer this up for your consideration and possible implementation if, and only if, you deem it appropriate for yourself and your fishing philosophy. I’m talking about catch & release of kokanee salmon and only kokanee salmon.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] [/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]There are studies available that indicate the mortality rate of caught & released kokanee salmon is higher than for almost any other species of fish. There is even a good article on this subject from our own DWR: [url "http://wildlife.utah.gov/blog/2015/kokanee-to-release-or-to-keep/"]Kokanee: to release or to keep?[/url][/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] [/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]Regardless of release methods, some of these caught fish are going to die. For me, I stop targeting salmon when I have my water specific limit on ice and change lures to those more appropriate to other game fish such as lake trout, rainbows, or cutts. I did catch a kokanee in the Gorge last year in 70 feet of water on a j-plug in August and had to release it because I already had my 3-fish limit. Stuff happens and I regret having to do that knowing that that fish probably did not survive that encounter.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] [/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]I’m not calling anybody unethical for continuing to target kokanee after keeping their limit, but would ask that you consider not continuing to fish for them just to rack up high numbers of kokanee caught in a day or during a multi-day trip.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] [/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]If you’re not a fish eater, then give them to friends or neighbors who would love to have some fresh caught salmon; trust me, they will be very thankful for the gift.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] [/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]The kokanee resource is a finite one and limits are in place for a reason. And again, THIS IS NOT A CONDEMNATION OF ANY ONE. Thanks for listening and I’ll step down off the soap box now.[/#800000][/font]
[font "Times New Roman"] [/font][font "Times New Roman"] [/font] [/quote]
Can I please share this on the Kokanee Forum Flaming Gorge? It is very excellent.
Mike Fresh
[signature]