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466 Posts
Hey all. Been lurking for a long while, but thought I'd post a few thoughts on the bottom bouncing debate. I find it quite interesting how vehemently some people draw the line in this regard. It's right up there with religion in the passion expressed.
As for myself, I started fishing about 3 years ago, after a long absence. I'm in my 40s, and hadn't fished much since I was a kid. My first experience in 2006 was bottom bouncing the Fraser for sockeye, and I had a lot of fun. It was a real kick pulling in some nice fish despite my limited skills. This experience gave me the fishing bug, and since then I've taken up more and more fishing - from steelheading to fly-fishing. I'd hate to add up all the money I've spent on gear. I just got back from a charter out of Port Hardy (took my dad for his 84th birthday), where I caught my first spring (28lbs - not bad).
With regards to BBing: The only absolutes are the governing laws. As with all "beliefs", the personal ethics around fishing methods within the law are exactly that - personal.
Individuals are free to make up their own mind as to whether the fish must be enticed to bite, or other such rules. People will draw the line where they are comfortable. Some will feel that barbed hooks and natural or artifical baits are unethical. Perhaps braided line ticks you off, or fish finders, or mono-filament lines (sinew anyone?). We could argue all day as to the definition of "sport fishing". Don't get me wrong - I'm not suggesting that there should not be a debate - I have no problem with people advocating their beliefs - but I find it a bit distasteful when people condemn each other.
For myself, I have no issue with people bottom bouncing for sockeye on the Fraser during an opening. It's the only practical method to target these fish, and they are tasty. I don't use flossing for other fisheries, because I prefer to challenge myself. I will leave it up to the governing authorities to determine whether flossing is a conservation issue.
By the way, my own pet peeve is dynamite fishing. I did a lot of scuba diving in the tropics, and the destruction to the reefs is catastrophic. Puts things in perspective.
Eric
As for myself, I started fishing about 3 years ago, after a long absence. I'm in my 40s, and hadn't fished much since I was a kid. My first experience in 2006 was bottom bouncing the Fraser for sockeye, and I had a lot of fun. It was a real kick pulling in some nice fish despite my limited skills. This experience gave me the fishing bug, and since then I've taken up more and more fishing - from steelheading to fly-fishing. I'd hate to add up all the money I've spent on gear. I just got back from a charter out of Port Hardy (took my dad for his 84th birthday), where I caught my first spring (28lbs - not bad).
With regards to BBing: The only absolutes are the governing laws. As with all "beliefs", the personal ethics around fishing methods within the law are exactly that - personal.
Individuals are free to make up their own mind as to whether the fish must be enticed to bite, or other such rules. People will draw the line where they are comfortable. Some will feel that barbed hooks and natural or artifical baits are unethical. Perhaps braided line ticks you off, or fish finders, or mono-filament lines (sinew anyone?). We could argue all day as to the definition of "sport fishing". Don't get me wrong - I'm not suggesting that there should not be a debate - I have no problem with people advocating their beliefs - but I find it a bit distasteful when people condemn each other.
For myself, I have no issue with people bottom bouncing for sockeye on the Fraser during an opening. It's the only practical method to target these fish, and they are tasty. I don't use flossing for other fisheries, because I prefer to challenge myself. I will leave it up to the governing authorities to determine whether flossing is a conservation issue.
By the way, my own pet peeve is dynamite fishing. I did a lot of scuba diving in the tropics, and the destruction to the reefs is catastrophic. Puts things in perspective.
Eric