Mr. Magler
7/2/2007 2:55:00 PMWhat's the reasoning behind that rule? What's the harm in using a spinning rod with a fly? Since you've worked for the WDFW I thought may be able to enlighten me.
flyfisherguy
7/3/2007 8:53:00 AMOne reason for this is that there are unfortunately people who take the opportunity in lakes where spinning gear is allowed, to use "metal" and "plastic" flies. I have fished other lakes where the rule is "single barbless hooks, catch and release" and, using my binoculars, seen "sportsmen" trolling everything from treble hooked spinners to plugs with double sets of treble hooks! The mortality rate of fish hooked on this tackle is much higher than those hooked on single barbless hooks. Generally speaking, flyfishing has a much lower impact on the mortality rate since the fish usually do not swallow the fly, It is nice to know that with MOST Washington lakes allowing other methods that there are a few places where flyfishing only is allowed,
Mr. Magler
7/3/2007 10:13:00 AMSo the rule is really just a way to make it easier to police people from afar? That makes a little sense, but it's still a bit silly in my opinion. Some people can't afford the expensive fly fishing gear, but love using flies to catch trout. Why shouldn't they be allowed to fish the same lake as people using the exact same legal flies that are just attached to a different rod? Maybe this is something I should bring up with WDFW......Thanks for the feedback though, flyfisherguy. (By the way I prefer using a fly rod when I'm trout fishing anyway, but just don't think this rule is fair)