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[ShaunO]

I recently read a newsletter from Simms about a "movement" that seems to be growing out there.  The #Keepemwet hashtag is what started it all and the principles are pretty simple,  "After hooking a fish, fight it aggressively and bring it to hand or net as fast as possible. From there, minimize air exposure, eliminate contact with dry surfaces and reduce physical handling. By doing these things, you are taking the practice of catch-and-release to the next level"

The concept is neither new nor revolutionary as a number of people already promote catch-and-release here and throughout the province.  I just thought it was telling of a concept that has garnered the support of a major fishing equipment manufacturer.

Check out their website if for no other reason than the photos are amazing!

http://www.keepemwet.org/

[Knnn]

Not a new concept to year round anglers, but unfortunately not practiced much during the frenzy of the salmon season.

Great post.  Thanks.

[Kever]

Yeah it boils my blood to see people drag fish onto the rocks then kick them back in the river. Or jam fingers into gills then let it go. I saw both things today and both offenders were politely but sternly told what they are doing is wrong.

As far are 'fighting fish aggressively', what does that mean really? I keep a fairly loose drag when playing fish because it helps me land more of them, the hook pulls out of the mouth less frequently, it's fun to have them run, and by the time I get them into the shallows they are tired enough that they can be handled without excessive flopping.

[DanJohn]

Yeah it boils my blood to see people drag fish onto the rocks then kick them back in the river. Or jam fingers into gills then let it go. I saw both things today and both offenders were politely but sternly told what they are doing is wrong.

As far are 'fighting fish aggressively', what does that mean really? I keep a fairly loose drag when playing fish because it helps me land more of them, the hook pulls out of the mouth less frequently, it's fun to have them run, and by the time I get them into the shallows they are tired enough that they can be handled without excessive flopping.

The guy fishing a 3 weight for pinks loses 0 fish too, but he fights them for 10 minutes each.

Not saying you do. But draw your own line of whats excessive. If you are into C&R but exhaust the fish, whats the point?

[Kever]

The guy fishing a 3 weight for pinks loses 0 fish too, but he fights them for 10 minutes each.

Not saying you do. But draw your own line of whats excessive. If you are into C&R but exhaust the fish, whats the point?

Fair enough, good point. It should be determined on a fish-by-fish basis Fresher ones get more play, staler ones less, snagged are released as quickly as possible (preferably long line released).

[doja]

Letting a fish swim around and settle down is not "fighting a fish" lol. I've caught salmon that took 10-20 Min's before but it wasn't a fight....  It was just letting them settle down and move past the fear of being hooked which leads to very easy unhookings. Allowing a trout to swim too long at the warm surface is an issues as the water holds less oxygen while the trouts needs for it have increased. Each situation is different and you could have a fish on the line for an hour or 2 with absolutely no effect in one situation and minutes are near death in others... Time on the line is a poor indicator of such situations...

How would you feel if I hooked you in your jaw and "yarded you in"....  Your jaw is really going to hurt with a  stiff rod... A soft rod possibly less but it's still going to hurt more if you apply more force.

I use ultra light rods with good results when care and skill is also applied. I've even landed springs with a 4-8lb noodle rod but it wasn't fun and definitely not my target species. I landed them fairly quickly too...  I was surprised. I've even had fish that I hooked sit in a pool,  still or swimming about with little tension while I figure out how to land them as I don't believe in breaking off leaving gear in their mouth.