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MSA
continued... of the fish we loved to angle for,
as well as the work that the MSA does on our behalf. Try to attend
some of their dinner / auctions in your area, and support the MSA
with a membership which is $40.00 (or $10.00 for those who make
their living working in angling such as guides and camp owners). The
money goes to research and salmon conservation. As well, there
is a new Native Fishing Village being constructed at the hatchery, so visit
and bring friends and relatives. Drop in to the trout
ponds which have 20,000 fish and take the kids or grand-kids. What
better way to get them into the sport of angling as they catch the pay-per-pound
trout for your supper.
There has been some grumbling
by some anglers about having to put a salmon back, but by putting
them back, we are guaranteeing that the sport we love will be there
for our kids and grandkids. These restrictions, along with the help
of our fish hatchery, have gradually brought our resource back to
a reasonably safe level, compared to what it was. Keeping a salmon is
a step backwards, and if people persist in taking away our spawning stock,
we’ll soon be grumbling about "no fish".
In terms of releasing salmon, make sure you do it properly,
especially as the water temperature increases. Do NOT play
a salmon for a long time. Yes, we want the photo, but given
the choice, it is better to break off the leader or lose the fish
than play it too long and have it go belly-up.
Although most know how to revive a salmon, it is worth mentioning again. Move it gently back and forth making sure its nose
is pointing UP-RIVER, so oxygen can get to its gills. Holding it down river is drowning it.
As well, when reviving the fish, make sure it is rested enough before you
release it. Sometimes it will swim away immediately, but there are times
when it will turn on its side. Some use the rule of thumb that "If
you can hold it, it’s not ready." A big salmon may jerk free on the
first try, but if it doesn’t, give it more time. It will let
you know when it’s ready.
Have the
camera ready for the photo BEFORE the fish is lifted from the water. Then make it quick and get it back. If possible, do
not drag the fish ashore over the rocks to remove the hook as this can damage internal organs and scrape off protective scales.
Try to keep it in the water if possible.
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