Here is where this has gone, I think you might find it very interesting reading. My responses are in italics. Fly addict….
1st you asked if I kept the fish, I responded. Now you want to attack me for a photo of a fish and being a guide; “I should know better”.
Best interest of the fish, who are you to tell the rest of us what’s in the best interest of a fish? Any credentials? As you pointed out I’m a professional guide not saying I know all but I was there that day and as I see it, things where under control. You posted some great links and I agree there are all kinds of research on how to release fish, but as you know scenarios change constantly when you’re on the water. Most of your studies are done in a controlled environments or certain water. I have done my research and know that more fish die in the East Walker due to perch and poacher’s then they do by anglers handling them. I handle these fish daily and I’m very confident in my abilities and handling of fish. You being so narrow minded you want to attack instead of enjoying a couple of photos OR not, now that is ignorant.
If you know the area we fish then you would know that these fish have to deal with a lot, being handled 20+ times a year. Then there are the flows from 600 csf to 50 csf overnight. Oh ya, let’s talk weather, enough said. I think we can make a case these trout might be a little tougher than most, but that’s a different subject. So please don’t tell me what is in the best interest of the fish. I pretty confident I know my fish. Some even have names
Mortality of fish….. Sorry fish die! Believe it or not that is a GOOD thing for a fishery. But you don’t point that out???
My credentials… I’m a sportsman first and foremost! I have 30+ yrs fishing/hunting and have been fortunate to fish all over the country and then there’s the big water fishing I do from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Yes, I know just the fishing doesn’t make the case but fishing/working with some of the best in the industry does. You might say, one might learn a thing or two. We also had one common goal and that was to protect our resources.
I do take great care of my “partners” as someone pointed out, they are my living. I think I do my part, by helping raise 50-100k trout a year for local waters, helping DFG/ State Biologists with fish studies and counts throughout the area.
So, I get the fact you didn’t like the way photo was taken and I’m good with that but before you ASSume please do your homework on who your firing on.
This was my response by PM. There is no way you can even convince those idiots on that site how best to handle fish for proper release. This might end up in 2 posts.
1. Originally Posted by fly addict
Rey,
I have decided to respond to your post through PMs because there are a bunch of idiots on this site who just have no clue. You just can’t fix stupid.
Your Photos set a bad example for people who don’t know how to deal with fish they plan on releasing. As you list yourself as a guide there are those who look to you for the proper way in all aspects of fishing. I don’t care how you do it, but laying fish on the ground is wrong if you want them to have the best chance for survival. If you were to post those same photos on just about any flyfishing forum you would be roasted, and I’m sure it would not help your business.
As far as the low flows and fishing on the EW in the winter season, the DFGs own biologist recommended against it. Also a lot of the local guides were against it. The pencil pushers overruled the scientific facts of what would happen. The mortality of fish is a fact of life, but do you want to be the cause of that? There are some studies that are out there that suggest that leaving a trout out of the water for even 15 seconds can decrease their chances of survival by 25%.
A little about myself, I’m 58 years old and have been fishing since I was 4, I started flyfishing when I was 19. I’m a FFF certified casting instructor and spend about a 100 days a year on the water, the rest of the time I’m casting on the grass or the pond. I used to work on six-pack charter boats during the summer season in the 80s and early 90s. I know how hard it is to make a living fishing. As I have become older and have had to eliminate a few things in my life like riding dirt bikes, mountain biking and other activities flyfishing has become something of a passion for me. I started fishing the E W in the early 70s. I have seen the E W change a lot since the regulations have been changed to year round fishing. I won’t fish that place when the flows are what they are now.
As far as you being a guide, well I checked on the DFG website and you are not listed as a licensed fishing guide in the state of California as of 2011. Maybe that is an oversight on the DFGs part or maybe you just don’t want to deal with them.
I hope this addresses the point I have about C&R and how I feel about it. It is up to you how you wish to continue.
Mark
Here is his response,“no need to continue, you win. we are all stupid and can't be fixed.
FYI you can call DFG anytime and check my license status as I request not to be on the list.
good day”
This guy is not going to change his style. I don’t buy that crap about his guide status being unlisted by the DFG. I have had in my day, 2 different contactors licenses and a real-estate license. There is no way that this information is not public knowledge.
