CATCH & RELEASE PLEASE!

The often used phrase, “ Catch & Release “ echos from rivers and streams across the world begging the question why? In these times of unlimited hatchery raised salmon and trout usually dumped by the ton into rivers, lakes, streams each spring, why take the extra time to carefully catch and then release game fish that appear to be so abundant? In this column I will not address the folly of dumping hatchery fish into waters that also hold wild trout or salmon without being considerate of the available food sources or in cringing on wild stocks! This sad state of unthinking fish management will be addressed in future columns. What are the benefits short term or long for being careful catching and then reviving game fish before releasing them to be perhaps caught again and again...

When I witness unthinking usually younger inexperienced anglers rip trout, salmon lips with far too much energy upon first strike and then muscle and slam fish to net, then with big smiles on their faces toss the exhausted trout back in, I cringe and wonder what they are thinking? The aquatic underworld that we fly fishers cherish is a delicate usually unseen place where human understanding of right and wrong in my mind is sorely lacking! All game fish are from birth engaged in one over riding passion, survival period. When you use hooks with barbs and set the hook as if your yanking a bad tooth, what happens is the fish is left with a mouth wound much larger and ragged then a barbless hook would make and gentle first strike would induce. Now that trout will have to deal with both sudden shock, a wound that will attract aquatic bacteria and more then likely lead to death!

If the respected trout fly fishing schools would take the time to study and understand why trout, salmon and all game fish must be respected and handled like the precious living creatures they are, our sport could become the leader in respect for our aquatic friends and allow them some basic consideration. You new fly fisher will be doing a great service by adopting these few simple rules often taken for granted. Number one must be always use barbless hooks, hooks with barbs are killers and completely useless, I often wonder why they are still manufactured? Replace all your hooks with barbless today. When you feel a trout taking your fly and the thrill of actually catching that pretty rainbow hits your wrist, a gentle flick of your wrist is all that is needed to set the hook. Do not slam the hook into the delicate mouth flesh and cause serious damage, practice a more humane easy first strike impulse.

Now that you have the fish hooked, let him run a bit and then quickly take him to hand or net. If you have to use a net keep it wet and in the water as your net will scrape off the natural coating that protects all fish and helps insulate them against loss of energy and illness. It is best to leave the trout, salmon in the water while using your forceps to remove the hook. Now if photos are to be taken, if possible never take your catch out of the water, why not take the shot of your trout just under the waters surface quickly? Gently holding your catch and moving it back and forth under water until it revives and pulls away from you. Great job new fly fisher, welcome to the world of considerate fly fishing where trout, salmon actually have rights, rights to life....

It gives me no pleasure to announce what appears to be a sad day for those who covet Bamboo fly rods made by masters. Glenn Brackett of famed Winston Rods has decided to leave the company he once owned and helped elevate to near reverential status among those who cherish his work. Many years ago Glenn lent me a bunch of his shop Bamboo to take on my Alaska quest for world record King Salmon caught with light 5/6 weight Bamboo. Eight Bamboo companies were asked to take up the challenge, all refused except Mr. Brackett. I will always be humbled by this man’s kindness and uncompromising skills. In an age when more corporate profits and lower manufacturing costs dictate what is created, our fly fisher world has been dealt a sad blow! E.C. Powell, Walt Powell, Leonard, and modern masters like Gary Dowbrowski, Don Anderson, Thomas & Thomas do fine work and garner much respect. In my mind Glenn was and is right there with the very best in this game of creating Bamboo rods that are works of art. Thank you Glenn and may you find another home for your rare skills, I salute you sir...

On a more upbeat note here is a photo of my friend Karen Graham and her Alaskan Char/Dolly. Karen and her husband Tom fly their own planes and have sampled fly action world wide. How many Vogue Magazine Cover Girls ( 27 covers ) have you seen so handy with a fly rod? Best to you and Tom your ethereal sublime one...

COYOTE ROYAL