FN0147-Recreational Salmon - Chinook - Strait of Juan de Fuca - Portions of Areas 19 and 20 - Management Measures - March 1, 2026

[Squire]

I'll get a lot of disagreement with this statement but I find the opposite to be true. A fish knows when it's got a flasher attached and swims away MUCH stronger. Way bigger and multiple runs. When I fish naked herring or plugs, often times the fish doesn't even know it's hooked and I'm finding they come straight up to the boat without much fight at all.

I believe it just comes down to every fish being different. I can say I’ve thought about whether it was easier to pull the flasher backward the way a fish has taken off on me with apparent ease but in general I find the fish fights harder on a plug. Again this is likely just because the fish doesn’t have the extra drag and I’m connected directly to it.

 

[wolf]

“you want to blame anyone it is the anglers around you and social media. This netting of small fish and photos are really drawing attention. The NGO grabbed on to that, and then amped up FN groups. You think that wasn't planned? No one questioned or even knew what drop off mortalty was till the NGO brought it up wasting oxygen/mathematical formulas based on statistics in every meeting our reps had. Complete time burgler honestly. I am sure our reps would really like to move on from talking about it.

If we all just left the fish in water and released them probably wouldn't need to take this step. I am not talking about guys on here and guides. You guys care about the fish. There are many that need some education out there.”

Spring Velocity is completely right here.

This is exactly why I tend to not post many fish pictures or crow much on social media regarding fishing success.

been saying this for many many years herp shots do not help us

 

[Weatherall]

I’ve solved this issue by using 40 lb mono leaders that I can grab and lift the fish just out of the water if I haven’t yet been able to determine its status. I have the gaff in my other hand to release it if I then see the adipose fin or I just hoist it in by the leader if it’s clipped. I never use a net on the coho on the inside any more.

I do exactly the same!

 

[Derby]

Yeah less drag. Here is the link to study for anyone who wants more info on science behind this.

Rethinking Release Strategies | Pacific Salmon Foundation

UBC research, co-funded by PSF, proposes 15 recommendations to improve salmon release strategies.

psf.ca

Thanks for post