OMG......
This is why some hearty folks fish for winter Steelhead somewhere north of Sacramento.
One of these on a fly would be enough for a lifetime.
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OMG......
This is why some hearty folks fish for winter Steelhead somewhere north of Sacramento.
One of these on a fly would be enough for a lifetime.
Bill, do you have any details to go with the photo?
I heard it was a conventional tackle angler that caught this unbelievable specimen. I still can't get over the size of the shoulders on this buck ,what a stud!! The legendary Smith.... that there is what it's known for, still glad they exist!
Monster. Been going stir crazy waiting for the weather to cooperate for an outing. Might not happen this year.
Wondering if it was released? Would hate to lose this fishes genetic's.
Geez!! That beast is thick too!!
Hey jbird, welcome back aboard.
Best,
Larry S
[QUOTE=Larry S;173571]Hey jbird, welcome back aboard.
Best,
Larry S[/QUOTE
This fish was caught and released by a woman. Think the guide's last name was Coopman and also saw a short video.
Wow! glad it was released.
However, looking at that fish I doubt I could have got it to the net with my 9' 8wt BVK.
Regards,
Tim C.
Largest US Steelhead come from the Smith River in the winter.
trout, steelhead rainbow Oncorhynchus mykiss gariderii 27 lbs 4 oz Smith River Del Norte 12/22/1976 Halley, Robert (Crescent City) Freshwater Angling Lure
CA state record Steelhead
i fish the Smith every year...what a hog!!!!
Heard via text it went 42 x 23Quote:
Originally Posted by gitt
That's a 28+ pound NorCal specimen!
I remember that week in 76. The record was broken twice, not 1 by a fly guy though. We had them surrounded a the cable hole. Many 20+ steelhead caught by the fly guys in prams that week. I believe that not too many years ago a store in arcata sponsored a dead fish contest for the Mad River. Someone brought in one in the 26lb. range and he had gutted it before bringing it for weighing.
The guide is Mike Coopman, a Smith River regular who is based in Crescent City, I believe. I run into Mike nearly every time I drift the Smith and he is always pleasant. I did not hear what the estimated weight of the fish was, but at 42 inches, it was likely in the mid-20's, maybe a bit more. What a dandy!
The fish was released.
Beautiful fish but as a guide he should know it is illegal to remove a wild fish from the water. Period. Plenty of ways to take the "Hero" shot and keep it wet. Putting the fish's weight on that hand will cause internal damage in a fish that heavy.
I believe that rule doesn't apply in CA. I know its a law in OR and WA.
From the supplement to the regs:Quote:
I believe that rule doesn't apply in CA. I know its a law in OR and WA.
**Hatchery trout or steelhead are those showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is absent). Unless
otherwise provided, all other trout and steelhead must be immediately released. Wild trout or steelhead
are those not showing a healed adipose fin clip (adipose fin is present).
This covers the Central Valley and Klamath Basin and does not include the Smith River.
Besides, it is still not a very definitive regulation.
I never take a steelhead out of the river (wild or hatchery) unless I intend to kill and eat it... but I use light tackle and more often than not, a really hot fish would die if I didn't spend some time reviving it prior to release so do I get cited for not immediately releasing it?
I say, go ahead and get your hero shot... just don't place the quality of the photo as a higher priority than the quality of job you do releasing the fish...
One can clearly see that there is a nearly steady stream of water coming off the guy's left hand in the photo. Based on that evidence, the fish had probably been out of the water for a total of less than a second when the photo was taken. I don't know why this ethical "debate" needs to happen every time someone posts a nice SH photo here and the preponderance of evidence is in their favor that the fish has been well treated. My 2c...
Quote:
Originally Posted by PV_Premier
Because people are genuinely concerned about a dwindling resource and want to see it available for their grand kids.
Not to argue, but I agree! A tired fish and one of that size , lactic acid pumping, tired from the long fight you need to handle carefully. The weight of a heavy fish and the position of your hand up by the pectoral fins can damage the fish in recovery mode. It can put a lot of pressure on the heart resulting in a bad outcome for fish! Think of running a 200 yard dash as fast as you can and then have someone sit on your chest!