 Hook And Release: The Birth Of A New Ethic!
Posted by baneser on January 02, 2005
I fish the Salmon River for Steelhead on a regular basis. Mostly fishing the Fly Zones, I enjoy as much success as the next guy, having a mix of good days, bad days, and the occasional great day. Last winter on a fairly crowded weekend day I had a day that left me with a new respect for steelhead, a new understanding of humility, and a feeling of frustration that I have not known since my dating days.
We always arrive early in order to secure one of the spots that we have learned can mean the difference between hooking up, and watching others hook up. The action started off well, and I had several fish on before the
sun rose, and felt pretty good, despite not having been able to land any. I seemed to have the exact right drift, hooking fish after fish in the same spot, on different flies, and watching as others were hooking some, but not any where near the number I was getting. The problem was, I could not land a fish. Others began to notice this, and soon, the group around was keeping count.
The fun began as Kenny, never shy, but in great form that day, made sure that the entire pool was aware of my inadequacies. As the numbers got into double figures I realized it was getting to me, the pressure was building. I needed to land a fish.
Then, I started to wonder, was I having a great day, or a terrible day? I hooked far more fish than anyone else, but others were landing them. I have landed many fish, not as many as some, but certainly more than others, and knew that it felt good to do so. However, the thing I enjoy the most in Steelhead fishing is the hook-up and the fight. Landing them is gravy. I always practice C&R, so it isn't about keeping them. I have plenty of pictures, so, I rarely take them now. So, I figured it was a great day.
The numbers rose, and I hit twenty fish on. Finally I landed one and ended the day going three for twenty five. But, even though I felt it was a great day, I still hear about it from the guys I fish with, and take a lot of grief for not landing as many fish as others. I like to say that my technique is called Hook and Release, and really think more people should practice it.
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Re: Hook And Release: The Birth Of A New Ethic!
by jeremy on January 02, 2005 http://www.ineedasimplesolution.com | Hi Baneser!
GREAT story! i can surely relate - "hooking" the steelies is one thing. landing them is another - but to hook that many in one day is amazing. probably makes up for all those days that you have spent out there without hooking a thing.
I HAVE A QUESTION! - you say your fish the Salmon River on a regular basis. Are you from the Western NY area? we are planning a trip up there NEXT weekend. Can you give some advice on steelhead tactics for winter. The temps are supposed to me in the 30's - so that is good. Water level is at 335 so - that is good to right?
Should we fish the tribs? you don't have to give me stream names or anything like that - just a general idea of what we should focus on. Maybe you can meet up with us and fish with us?? |
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