The problem that arises whenever the bait issue is brought up stems from every interest group does not recognize and validate the others' reasons to fish. Anti-bait individuals are immediately accused of being flyfishing elitists, while pro-bait individuals are labelled as lazy slobs who only wish to fish the easy way and take whatever they catch home. In the end, the reasoning behind the usage of bait and its impact on an aquatic ecosystem is left in the corner while no compromises emerge from all groups within the sportfishing community.
Let's review why we fish again.
- To socialize
- To relax.
- To bring something home to eat.
- To get in touch with nature.
- To catch and release the biggest fish.
- To catch and release as many fish as possible.
- For fun.
Out of every fishing method employed, or every activity taken place in outdoor, there will always be a negative impact on the resource. To ensure sustainability, the resource manager needs to minimize this negative impact.
The problem does not lie on bait ban. In fact, bait fishermen are happy to see bait being banned in certain vulnerable systems as they understand its effiency. The problem becomes evident when resource managers choose to take shortcuts by grouping all systems as one and applying bait ban on all of them, regardless of the ecological status of these systems.
Is it necessary to ban bait on the Chilliwack River because bait is too efficient on hatchery fish that will be killed when caught anyways? No. In fact, the use of bait cuts down angling hours and reduces crowding. Well... not so evident, because, you know... The Vedder is the busiest river in Canada (stats and source please?).
On the other hand, is it necessary to ban bait in a system where stock number of a particular species is vulnerable, and that these fish maybe caught repeatedly when bait is employed? Yes, I'm sure it's in every angler's best interest to sacrifice a few multi-fish days to keep mortality rate down.
Are there stocks of concern in the Chilliwack River that are present in the system, which may harmed by bait users? Wild winter steelhead? The answer may sit in the difference of regulations between January/March and April/May.
Should bait be banned because it is too easy? Should flyfishing be banned in lakes because seasoned flyfishermen are able to connect with dozens of trout while a kid sitting on lake shore and dangling a worm in the water may only get one?
Fish the way you wish to fish within the regulations, leave the management of the resource to those who have the first hand knowledge and data of the ecology of a system. If you have a problem with the decision of the managers, get involved by consulting with them. Coming onto a discussion forum and trying to convince those who are out there for the same reason as yours to fish the way you do, it doesn't work so well.