[theTastyPlecopteran]

If I hit a local beach with my 6wt what are some restrictions I should limit myself to so that I am not considered to be targeting salmon?
My opinion is size 6 hooks and smaller - and if you catch a salmon you let it go and stop fishing.
Is that fair?
Or should I continue to fish just knowing I may hook more Salmon?
I want to be on the same page as everyone else and I certainly don't want to hurt the fish or piss anyone off.

 

[Dizane]

I plan on just fishing for searuns as I always do. No restrictions or anything different. If I incidentally hook a coho I will carefully let it go.

 

[Don Freeman]

I've discussed this with DFW mangers and enforcement. If you catch a coho on your 6 wt and a size 4 SC15, just let it go like Dizane says. If you hook a SRC on a Castmaster spoon with a 1/0 Siwash, you got some 'splainin to do.

 

[Cozmo4196]

I've discussed this with DFW mangers and enforcement. If you catch a coho on your 6 wt and a size 4 SC15, just let it go like Dizane says. If you hook a SRC on a Castmaster spoon with a 1/0 Siwash, you got some 'splainin to do.

That's funny. A silver and blue kastmaster with a size 2 straight shank hook is my go-to approach when targeting SRCs with gear.

 

[scepter1]

[

I've discussed this with DFW mangers and enforcement. If you catch a coho on your 6 wt and a size 4 SC15, just let it go like Dizane says. If you hook a SRC on a Castmaster spoon with a 1/0 Siwash, you got some 'splainin to do.

The regulations do not limit what size lures or hooks can be used to fish SRC's ?

 

[SalishSeaAngler]

[

The regulations do not limit what size lures or hooks can be used to fish SRC's ?

I think only barbless hooks (just like SRCs).

IMHO, I think it would be easier to credibly say you are targeting SRCs, when salmon are jumping all around, if you have SRC-sized hooks

 

[scepter1]

I think only barbless hooks (just like SRCs).

IMHO, I think it would be easier to credibly say you are targeting SRCs, when salmon are jumping all around, if you have SRC-sized hooks

The quote above was about hooking a SRC "If you hook a SRC on a Castmaster spoon with a 1/0 Siwash, you got some 'splainin to do" - since you just hooked a SRC, sounds just like you are fishing for SRC... If you were sitting on a school of coho or snagging then that would be a different
scenario. They obvious make changes to the regulations any time they feel like it and it would be a really simple to change the regulations for SRC IF they wanted to.

 

[Don Freeman]

Let me simplify this.. The enforcement officers are well trained to tell the difference between trout lures/techniques and salmon gear/tactics. If using big ass hooks, down riggers, mooching rigs, etc. they will know that you're not targeting trout. The officers will use their judgment, which is usually pretty damn good.

 

[COtoWA]

The worst thing in all of this is, there is not really anyone to check the people who are specifically targeting salmon. When is the last time you have seen a fish cop? Im out on the water 70+ days a year and have been check once in the 2 years that I have live here. Example when I did call F&G to report 2 guys keeping coho at PNP this year, no one ever showed up.

Those that are going about, (lets call it poaching) will definately make sure they are on less popular places. Those of us who just want to fish SRC have nothing to worry about IMO

 

[skyriver]

Don't forget the 12 lb leader.

 

[Don Freeman]

Don't forget the 12 lb leader.

I still use the 2x tippets, but I have a pass.