[Kirk Singleton]

I am going to fish a certain river that requires you to kill your first 4 hatchery steel. Then you are done for the day. I was thinking that if I get into them...after the third fish, I would just cut off the hook and continue to fish insted of just sitting around at camp. It would be fun just to get them to rise and get the hit. That is the best part for me anyway.
Do you think that this is ok or am I risking a ticket???????

 

[headstrong1]

You're getting very hypothetical. I don't think you'll have that problem.

 

[Poopy McButtfart]

You're getting very hypothetical. I don't think you'll have that problem.

+1

Haven't heard of a single one of my peers that's come even close to filling their limits up that way so far this season.

 

[Kirk Singleton]

one can always hope! BUT>>> I had 2 friends limit out last Fri am...

 

[Freestone]

If an officer wanted to, you could probably be cited. More importantly, you are risking the whole steelhead fishing season for everyone. If NOAA finds out that people are doing this, they will shut it down period. The whole reason the 4 fish manadatory retention was implemented to get anglers to keep fish so NOAA wouldn't shut it down as they threatened if retention didn't go up. Play by the rules or stay home and fish an S river! But headstrong is correct, pretty wishful thinking to think that you will limit out as it has been slow for most people so it is not likely to be a problem.

 

[Kirk Singleton]

good point freestone- you are correct

 

[Andrew Lawrence]

I am going to fish a certain river that requires you to kill your first 4 hatchery steel. Then you are done for the day. I was thinking that if I get into them...after the third fish, I would just cut off the hook and continue to fish insted of just sitting around at camp. It would be fun just to get them to rise and get the hit. That is the best part for me anyway.
Do you think that this is ok or am I risking a ticket???????

If you do indeed catch your limit, I would advise that you do the following:

1. Get out a chair and place it somewhere in the vicinity of the river, preferably in a scenic location.
2. Pour yourself a fine drink.
3. Light a fine cigar.
4. Relax and enjoy the rest of your day.

Perhaps you do not smoke or drink. That's alright; I think that you probably get the idea.

 

[Poopy McButtfart]

Even if you do limit out with your 4 fish, if the trends continue, you'll be so late in the day on that 4th fish that it won't be much of a loss. Just fish by the rules, and you won't have anything to worry about.

 

[Blake Harmon]

Catch your limit and be done. That should be enough for one day. and if its not, then you should start fishing for steelhead more often haha.

 

[Jmills81]

you officially wont catch shit now...consider yourself jinxed for even thinking of this possibility...

 

[jumbo215]

you officially wont catch shit now...consider yourself jinxed for even thinking of this possibility...

I love it, let the skunking begin

 

[Cti111]

How about bringing a crappy fisherman (like me) along & then you won't have to worry about getting even close to 4...

 

[Tyler Sadowski]

Bonk 4 fish then drink beer the rest of the day. Sounds good to me.

 

[Anglermang]

Sometimes those darn fish are so slippery that when you take out your favorite hook (to avoid damaging it in a violent bonking session) they slip out of your hands and escape back into the water.

 

[Poopy McButtfart]

Sometimes those darn fish are so slippery that when you take out your favorite hook (to avoid damaging it in a violent bonking session) they slip out of your hands and escape back into the water.

Given the reason for this fishery, that's a pretty unethical thing to suggest.

 

[Mumbles]

http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/board/showthread.php/71365-The-Snap-Swivel-Story-Swap-Contest

 

[Jim F.]

When you catch 4, bonk 'em . . . and post a pic . . . 4 of any Steelies in a day is epic.

 

[Richard Torres]

When you catch 4, bonk 'em . . . and post a pic . . . 4 of any Steelies in a day is epic.

iagree

Kirk, you must be "the glass is half full" type..

I would love to be a witness to this event...

 

[Irafly]

Fish away with no hook. I think as others have mentioned, that it is not that likely that you'll limit but if you are concerned about stopping because you caught your four, then by all means fish a hookless fly. I don't believe there will be any harm done to the fish or the fishery if you do this. Besides many anglers break hooks off don't know it and fish anyway with no negative feedback.

Have fun and tight lines.

Ira..

 

[Luke77]

That's it, I'm going fishing with Kirk! I WISH I could touch 4 brats in 1 afternoon.