landing steelhead

[CAGEY]

Here is a question that should spark some interest. When you catch a steelhead and you determin that it is a legal fish to keep how do you land it. Grab it by the tail, net it, gaff it, or just kick it out on the bank? I have seen every method used and wonder what most do. I prefer the tail grab method is possible.

[FearNoEvil]

i get it on the shore head first, i get behind the fish and push him up the bank holding on to the tail... but i never tried it on steelhead as i have yet to catch one but i am guessing it would be the same.. if you just kick them you might knock the hook out?

[ChuckDog]

PrimeEvil had the right idea with grabbing it by the tail and shoving it up on the bank (if you don't have a net); a good glove and you can tail it (unless you have small hands). Kicking it will bruise it just as it would to anything with flesh; this obviously would affect the quality / look of the meat unless you're going for that 'bruised broiled' effect when cooking it!@#! :grin:

[FearNoEvil]

But when your on a gravel bar the net makes it even harder, since the water is so shallow ive had my dad knock off many of my fish since hes half blind,. but i guess thats a different story..
i just work the fish down to where ever its shallow and bring him up there... nets work against me on gravel bar fishing...


Casey

[ChuckDog]

I'm with ya PrimeE. I never lug a net around when bank fishing either. I'm moving around too much to bother with one. There have been times though when it would have been nice, but those situations have been far and few between. Just consider it 'more sporting' (like duck hunting without the dog :grin: !)

[SteelieSteve]

I have always tried to beach the fish on the bank and then do the quick grab on the tail to secure the fish. I do not remember ever losing a fish using this method. When boating you have to net, haven't lost fish that way either but I do come close occasionally. :grin:

[FearNoEvil]

so true so true chuck!

[BigSpinner]

never have kicked a fish never will. Thats what I think.

[Steelie Ben]

I personally am a big fan of the "Tail grab" method, I have found that if you are wearing a glove that it makes it a little easier to grab onto those slippery devils. I have seen lots of guys just kick the fish up onto the bank, I don't think that they really realize that they're really messing the meat up when they do that, to each his own though. I have watched my dad use the "chuck and takle method with fairly good success. I must admit there is something amusing about watching a $300 rod and reel combo go flying onto the gravel and him diving on a fish in the shallows. :smile:

[CAGEY]

Interesting, no one uses a gaff. The gaff was a part of the steelheaders equipment a long time ago. I have used them and still carry one but only resort to using it if i happen to be in a bad spot on the river. Is it still ilegal to gaff a sturgeon? Thanks for the replies, Cagey. :smile:

[Mrdorkfish]

CAGEY, I think it's barbless gaff's only for sturgeon
:tongue: Do they still make those things??? No seriously :grin: I would not have one of those with me while fishing.

Mrdorkfish

[Fish mojo]

I carry a folding gaff on my fishing vest. When the fish is close and ready, I slip the gaff starting from the outside, thru the gill and the tip goes out thru the mouth. In one motion, I do that and pick it straight up out of the water. Works like a charm. I have lost fish tailing them. :tongue:

[rcl187]

I just pull it head first up on to the bank and they usually lie pretty still. If it flops around a bunch a partner (or myself) just blocks it's path to the water in case it throws the hook. If I'm on a steap bank or a log (I fish in awkward places sometimes). I just improvise. Sometimes it results in a released fish but usually I find a way. As for gaffs I was under the impression that their not allowed on salmon and alot of other fish species. Maybe I'm wrong but better safe than sorry.

[MasterCaster]

I looked on ODFW page at regs and all I have found so far is that it is Illegle to gaff or penitrate sturgeon while landing or releasing them. I havent found anything on Salmon or steelhead but I have been under the impression that it was also illegle to gaff either of them.
Im still looking to find out. Does anyone know for sure? :whazzup: