In fact, I'm looking at a photo as we speak
of about a 26" rainbow laying nest to my fly rod
at Rocky Ford. Also, several photos of slightly lesser fish.
All carefully nursed back to health. Very important at Rocky Ford
and anywhere, to properly nurse until you KNOW the fish is ready to go.
At rocky ford I've been especially pissed off watching people
release soon to be "floaters" out of total ignorance.
I know they think they are doing right...getting the fish
back in the water real fast....but too fast and out of reach
you got an irretrievable & dead fish! I always find one of those little pockets on the shore (full of water)to place the fish in where I can watch him and move it back & forth till theres no doubt.
If you dont do this they will squirt away from you like they are ready..but are not. Of course another way is to use your net..that is if it's the right kind to not injur the fish. Darn it, didnt want to preach, but I've seen that at R.Ford too many times and I love
to keep those fish alive as long as possible