Miramichi catch and release efforts.

Fishermen on the Nor-west, Cains, Main South West all the way to Juniper is picking up some salmon. The number are down over previous years and I blame the netting, greed and poor government relations resulting in disrespect for laws. Not only that but the catch and release efforts are not working.

If you ask somebody that knows the ways of the salmon like most of the old fishermen that has been sitting on the banks for more than 50 years, they will tell you that many fish that are being release are dying. As we know, we are allowed 8 griles. The grilse are the fish that are returning to the river for the first time since they were hatched. They are no more than 25 inches long and they are about 5 pounds. The large salmon must be released. That is a problem because many released salmon die after their lengthy fight. Different times 15 pound salmon are seen floating down the river dead. Some killed by nets and some of exhaustion from being played by sportsmen for to long. Many old fishermen say rules should be whatever you catch tag. Once your 8 tags are gone than no more salmon fishing. This would stop the fishermen from catching 10 big salmon a year, releasing them and having seven of them die then tagging 8 more smaller salmon.

Many sportsmen are fed up with rules that don't work. The situation is a bit out of control because they say the percentage of fish being killed by fly fishermen is low compared to the thousands killed by netting. I believe this to be true but speaking as a fly fishing sportsmen there are things we can do to help. One thing is either use an 8 or 10 pound test and pull the salmon in fast. No big salmon should be played with my more than 15 minutes. Bryan Freement, the owner of Escape Anglers and other great sportsmen caught lots of 30 pound salmon in 10 to 13 minutes. The quick release help insure their survival.

Another method is use a 2 or 3 pound test and bend the barb of the hook. After hooking a fish, get a couple of runs and jumps out of them then break them off. The hook will be out of their mouth in less then 2 hours. For the salmon, I suppose it would be something like getting your ear pierced. Perhaps they even brag a little to other salmon about their lip ring. lol.. Not likely but I say with a great amount of certainty that the exhaustion from the lengthy fight kills the fish not the hook being lodged in their lip for 2 hours. Did I mention what in hell is netting off a river all about and why is it allow to continue.

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