07-22-2009, 04:40 PM
Well stated TD. I hope the boys will take your feedback to heart. You cannot handle a trout like a walleye or muskie. I remember reading a catch and release mortality study on trout published by the Idaho fish and game many years ago. The biologists stated an 80% or greater mortatility rate for trout that were handled through the gills during catch and release when the water temperature was above 65 deg. I don't remember the exact statisitic for colder water temps, but it was lower. I cringe every time I see pics of large trout being handled that way when it is stated they were released.
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Sunrise on the water