Dont forget that this concern is not limited to the Fraser. The same thing is going on in other systems. It isnt 'bar fishermen' but guys who chuck spoons, flies and float fish who are worried. I guess it depends on your perspective, but I think the paper is quite honest. Nothing there cannot be proven by someone with an open mind watching what's going on.
The article at the beginning of the paper is not just some guy mad he didnt get a fish. (See the mentality here...people want a fish on the rocks so bad they assume everyone does!!) If you go on to read it you see him unhappy with snagging, taking more than their limit, garbage and kicking fish. Dont tell me some of us are growing some tolerance for this to advance their wish to maintain the snaggery on the Fraser!
This paper had individuals who support some form of flossing to get at the sockeye. But they do see a problem thats growing in regards to where sport angling's going. It was a group effort.
Milo, you say even playing field for all. Great policy dont get me wrong. But trying to level the field for guys snagging is only going to hurt all guys who hold a fishing rod. That's why snagging is illegal! It cannot be a part of sport angling. Look what happen when a loophole is found! I know the LEGAL thing is beat to death. Who will be the first to say they see that even though it's a loophole, the action is the same! How is it different? Because DFO tells you so and only because they cant do much about it?
DFO knows what's going on. Sure, they have had people concerned about the snagging. They've also had plenty who tell them to keep out of DFO's business. Dont think DFO only has one side of this issue talking to them. While bogged down from the top on a lot, the ones who are on the water everyday know what they're seeing and they are acting accordingly. I dont think there's a goal to divide anglers. We're doing it ourselves by letting greed, lack of foresight and stubborness rule the day.
Outside of conservation issues (which is DIFFERENT but also a SERIOUS issue!!!!!) this snagging debate is the biggest threat to angling. I wish guys would focus on the act of snagging and what it does to sport angling. Why not start a thread about nets and ideas on what we, as a group, can do? I promise I wont say "well, anglers are snagging fish, which really is outside what anglers should be doing, so who are we to talk about nets?"
Guys fuss about these nets, but when I tried to get people to write letters about it to pressure change, only 5% claimed they took the time to write a paragraph and to do their part. I call BS on the net excuse. I think some guys are most happy to see the nets in the river as they're a great thing to hide behind. That's just my view.
Thanks Milo.
Here take a handful of 14oz bar weights! I have a-plenty.