Irideus fly fishing Catch and release tips for steelhead trout
Those of us lucky enough to watch the life cycle of steelhead have formed a bond in catch and release methods. This will serve as a simple guide to help you enjoy the experience and preserve our sport.
If you have just started fly fishing use a rod stronger in wt than normal. People like 7wt rods for steelhead, yet an expert can pull off a 6wt rod. We will suggest an 8wt rod to start to give you some backbone to turn this powerful fish. Long battles that are not handled well can result in the death of steelhead. Fish fresh in from the ocean are extremely susceptible to this as they acclimate to fresh water. All ways wet your hands before touching any fish that will be released. Dry hands destroy the protective coating on the skin. Steelhead and trout fall victim to this and in heavily fished waters the scares are easy to see. Keep your fish facing up stream into the current, this will help keep oxygen levels high in the gills. Keep your fish in the water, this will help not to cause stress on the fish. You will also begin to appreciate a photo of a fish in full color. Catch and release methods also start before you hit the stream with gear modifications. Barbless hooks reduce impact and teach you to improve your skills. You will find barbless hooks do not loose fish we do. If a fish runs and turns and the slack causes a lost fish, then next time you will handle it better. I do not recommend beads to any novice fisherman and was even afraid to say the word. Yet through the trial and error of many generations the bead has been modified by dropping the hook 2 1/2 inches below the bead. Do not fish beads in any otherway it is unnecessary and also the cause of many steelhead mortal injuries. Learn proper stream side manor for your fellow fisherman. In today's times crowds and rude people have driven most of us deep into wilderness areas for peace. But on the days a person walks around my drift and drops a hello I feel lucky for our communication. Give space and watch before stepping into someones casting area. You will see, a little respect will get you a long way...maybe even a local fly!
Irideus
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