- Jul 29, 2014
- 50,154
I was going to refrain from making a comment. However since you posted, when C&R fishing, I agree with not netting and handling these pre-spawn fish. They should be left in the water and unhooked boatside. With single barbless hooks, it isn’t that hard. At least then, the protective slime isn’t being rubbed off of their body, and their own weight isn’t causing pressure to be exerted on the roe sack when being picked up.
That said, pretty fish!
Personally, I'd just assume they closed spring trophy season, at least for now, but I realize it's part of some peoples' livelihood. So there's that. There are still stronger conservative methods and limits that could be applied as including moratoriums when called for. If we want a healthy fishery, we all need to do our part to maintain that health. Sometimes it will require a little pain.