toolman

Yeah, I guess we're done givin' Todd and Mike a hard time...but, with the comments made at the end of the video, they deserved a bit of flame...

I shoot first....

Thing is, in their video, the trout gets dragged up the bank, covered in snow and is posed in front of the camera for a full minute before they decide to release it. Then, I wonder what kind of release was possible from up on the bank. Likely, it was simply chucked back in. In my view, the manner in which this fish was handled, could constitute it as a kept fish, over the legal size limit, as the chance of recovery was reduced after that experience. If this was a flyfisherman's video...there'd be a hangin'...

A few big Browns and a slack liner poachin' with bait....that's the Bow for sure...

Well done Weedy...There's the facts, folks. So, who's gonna call it in? Anyone? Maybe we should get rickr to do it...grin.

Well, if anyone feels that these video's depict someone not handling fish properly, as defined in the Alberta Sportfishing Regulations, then call RAP or F&W and file a formal complaint. Send them the link to the sites homepage and ask them to take a look. Link: http://www.bowriverblog.com/ A couple of points worth considering..... From the Alberta Sportfishing Regulations... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alberta Angling Ethic In accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Policy, the Alberta Government promotes the following angling ethics. The ethical fisherman has respect for wild creatures, knowledge of his natural surroundings, a sense of fair play and consideration for the rights and expectations of others. Fishing, as promoted by the Alberta government, should foster an ethical relationship of the highest order between the angler, his quarry, his fellow anglers, and the natural environment. Ethical conduct is expected of anglers in Alberta. 2. Provide proper care and handling of caught or released fish. Fish are to be released with the greatest possible care and minimal amount of handling. Fish that are kept should be killed quickly once they are out of the water and in such a manner that their edible or trophy value is preserved. 8. Anglers have a duty to address illegal activities in a safe manner. Angler’s actions could range from alerting others to closed waters or wrong size or species being kept to reporting all observed violations of angling regulations to the Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division. It is important to collect pertinent information (such as vehicle licence numbers, violator descriptions, etc.) that will assist enforcement actions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fish and Wildlife Division Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Great West Life Building, 9920 108 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2M4 Email: Fish.Guide@gov.ab.ca

From the Alberta Sportfishing Regulations... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alberta Angling Ethic In accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Policy, the Alberta Government promotes the following angling ethics. The ethical fisherman has respect for wild creatures, knowledge of his natural surroundings, a sense of fair play and consideration for the rights and expectations of others. Fishing, as promoted by the Alberta government, should foster an ethical relationship of the highest order between the angler, his quarry, his fellow anglers, and the natural environment. Ethical conduct is expected of anglers in Alberta. 1. Maintain the sport of recreational fishing. Emphasize the fishing experience. Use sporting methods, gear (lures, line type and amount of technology) appropriate to the type of fishing and the size of fish desired. 2. Provide proper care and handling of caught or released fish. Fish are to be released with the greatest possible care and minimal amount of handling. Fish that are kept should be killed quickly once they are out of the water and in such a manner that their edible or trophy value is preserved. 3. Conduct sportfishing activities that result in the least disturbance to the surrounding environment. Refrain from littering land and water. Take refuse to a proper disposal site. 4. Respect the need and expectations of your fellow anglers. Treat other sport anglers with common courtesy: (a) leave room for others to fish, ( disturb the fish as little as possible, © leave the fishing site in the same condition as it was found, (d) don't remain in one fishing spot too long, (e) be cooperative and understanding, (f) keep only as many fish as you require to enjoy the sport. 5. Consider other landusers. Carry out fishing activities in a manner that minimizes conflict with other landusers and anglers. 6. Respect the rights of landowners. Request permission for access across private property. The landowner has the right to grant or refuse access. 7. Follow angling regulations. Know and abide by all fishing regulations and encourage others to do the same. 8. Anglers have a duty to address illegal activities in a safe manner. Angler’s actions could range from alerting others to closed waters or wrong size or species being kept to reporting all observed violations of angling regulations to the Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division. It is important to collect pertinent information (such as vehicle licence numbers, violator descriptions, etc.) that will assist enforcement actions. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fish and Wildlife Division Alberta Sustainable Resource Development Great West Life Building, 9920 108 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2M4 Email: Fish.Guide@gov.ab.ca

For me, the etiquette rules on the Bow are simple. Let people have their space. Don't be crowding in on the run if someone is fishing there. Say hello to everyone you meet through the day. If someone is at a run, they may be interested in fishing a dry fly and it won't be cool to go through the water with a nymph/streamer rig, doing the Steelhead shuffle. So, if it's really busy on the water, go somewhere else. It's that simple. I never have anyone getting po'ed at me for my river etiquette. If you see me fishing a run that you would like a shot at, then come and say hello before attempting to step in on the run or I will run you off. It's that simple Show me a bit of respect and I'll likely share or give you the water, after I have a go at it for a short period of time.

Happy Birthday Birchy... Now lets hear the Birthday Joke of the day...and it better be a really bad one...

Thought I would mention that even though the number of angler license's sold, has dropped slightly in Alberta, folks who are flyfishing, may be doing so more often than they have previously. This would account for the percieved increase in the number of anglers on the water.

And that's what makes you a good guy and a leader, Tako. Thanks buddy...

Absolutely. And I think we have excellent Fish Managers here, but we as fisherman, need to be part of the management process. That's the way it is in Alberta and rather than just complain and leave it up to government to solve, we need to be in the game. River Clean ups, letter writing, Streamwatch programs, RAP, TU initiatives etc. All ways that we can be pro-active in the future of our fishery. As for internet fishing sites, the members of this community have contributed in many positive ways to our fishery. Edit: And on that positive note... Folks...Please stop by the Streamwatch Auction Thread and make your contribution now! Thank You...

BTW Tako, I think you are a good guy and mean well. Course you are a passionate "debater" and that's fine also. So carry on...rebutal? DING.....Ready when you are...

Folks have tried that for decades here and that has led us to our current state of affairs. Now let me tell you a little story about how Federal Fisheries managers destroyed the livelyhood of 300,000 fisheries workers in Atlantic Canada through the 70's, 80's. Maybe you heard about it in school...it goes something like this.... The "experts" from Ottawa, allowed multi national Corporations to completely destroy the inshore/offshore fishery. The inshore fisherman complained about the fish stocks bieng depleted, protested and tried their best to talk some sense into the government Fish Managers, but to no avail. I personally watched many family members and friends, have their livelyhood taken away by the "experts". So, that kinda BS talk of yours, PISSES ME OFF TOO! There, I feel better...

Well the Alberta government has a history of letting our fisheries run into the ground. It's a fact and the reason why we need Streamwatch programs, because the government won't give their Fisheries managers the proper resources to do their job. I don't think you need a science degree to understand that.

Yeah, lets leave it up to the government...Good idea Tako!

This is a great thread folks and I have enjoyed reading all of your responses.

Happy Birthday, Lornce.... Thanks for your many contributions to our Flyfishing Community. Have a great one, buddy...See ya on the water. Greg

I get your point. Thanks for posting. Greg

Well, I disagree with your comments TaKo.... FYI...Wong is indeed a Canadian name, with a Canadian Heritage that goes back more than a century in this country. I also find it kind of ridiculous to insinuate that poaching has a name and that it's name is Wong, or more broadly "that type of name"...That is kind of ridiculous if you think about it. A poacher is a criminal and criminals can be found anywhere on the planet. So, though your intent is not to come across as racist, your statements are clearly crossing that line. So, if this is just a case of a bad choice of words on your part, I'd suggest a little editing of your post. Great thread Dryfly. Thanks for posting.

I understand and respect your view on the subject FH. As I said, whatever floats your boat, but to dismiss two handers as less effective on the Bow, I would disagree.

I think that single hand casters need to ask themselves this one question. Why, would experienced, very skilled anglers, who fished with single handed rods for decades, tell you that two handers were the way to go? Why would they say that? Do you think it is these folks who "don't get it". I'd say, it's likely the folks who have no experience/skills with Spey casting or two handed rods that are the ones who have something to learn, not the other way round. That said, folks should fish with whatever tools and methods that they enjoy most. But, lets hope you can keep an open mind and come and discover the world of Spey, you will be amazed....

Of course this comment was made in Jest....and as drbulltrout pointed out, in reference to another thread, which was similar in nature.

"OK....Move along now..."

Of course size does matter, but, successfull hook ups always come with the right presentation.... Happy Valentines! "going once"....