Flossing Salmon and Poor Fish Handling - Don't Be That Fisherman! | Fishing with Rod  

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The whole reason I started doing educational videos this year is to teach people that there are better ways that this. I'm glad you're addressing this. I went and watched this at Tamihi for about 15 minutes, saw many foul hooked fish and 2 chum and a wild coho dragged up on the rocks.

Here in Norway that footage is valid as proof and if handed over to the proper authorities all those guys would get fined and removed from the river for shorter or longer time depending. We have C/R quota of 3 pr day in my local river and if you break it you are not allowed to fish the next 2 seasons plus you get a nice sweet 800 USD fine on top of that. And it works....

I’m glad you made a video and called this out Rod. It has been going on for far too long, another thing is the severe lack of enforcement in the Fraser Valley. Such a shame..

My friends and I went to Tamihi Creek Bridge last Monday and tended to fish for some coho salmon. When we reached the bank, we found everyone there was snagging the fish. They used very long leaders (at least 6 feet) and naked hoods. Because the stream was very fast and lots of rocks over there, we believed that it was not easy to fish using the right way. and snagging the fish was not the way we wanted to do. So, we left immediately and did not step into the river. Another story that I want to share happened in early October. During that time, the water level was very low, and most of the salmon preferred to stay in deep water. Below the Keith Wilson Bridge, there is a pool and many spring salmon were rest there. To be honest, the pool was very small. However, there were more than 10 Vietnamese encircled the pool, and the distance between them was less than 5 feet. When the bobber floated to the right position, they just snagged. No matter whether the bobber was down or not. As a result, they always had "fish on" (almost every 2 minutes would have a fish on). However, 100 meters downstream of the Vietnamese anglers, there were also about 20 anglers fishing for spring. No one had any fish on. Because they were fishing but not snagging.

Snaggers and poor fish handling continues to get worse and worse each year, the worst part of these clowns dragging fish up on the rocks is that they have a net behind them....use it!!!! Videos like this help newbies learn to spot bad fishing practices and not to copy them....there are still lots of good people on the river but I wish there were more law enforcement officers out there to help remove/slow down this poor behavior....keep up the good work Rod!!!

I think the fine for actions like this should start at $5000 and loss of all gear used. I have been seeing this consistently for years without any enforcement. The fine needs to be steep enough to deter those who would break the law.

Its always middle aged guys wearing 2000$ of sims gear that are the ones flossing too. It's embarassing

What the DFO should do is implement mandatory fish handling/identifying educational videos (have it in several languages) that must be watched on the DFO website before you can pay/prince your angling license. That way no one can say they "didn't know" and claim ignorance.

Excellent video Rod 👍👍👍. I HAVE BEEN Thetford, by individual. For telling them " That is a improper manner to handle fish. Manley on the western side of Stave river . Totally agree that there should be MORE M.N.R officers checking & observing, people fishing. AND BIGGER FINES for those who, don't Abby the law .

Thank you Rod for another Vedder River salmon fishing educational video on this controversial topic. As someone who has fished the Vedder River for more than 40 years I am disappointed in the lack of overall fishing standards and etiquette by a large number of anglers. The more "anglers" that practice these methods the more it enables new anglers to follow their approach. The fact that there is no shame or even hiding this approach tells me that it is more accepted than we think. This past fall I fished a number of locations one (that was not even isolated) was visited by 4 DFO officers. Out of the 20 or so anglers in this location the officer mentioned they found 4 people without licences and 2 individuals with fishing infraction - one having killed a Spring salmon without a recording form. There are not enough DFO officers to patrol the river to mitigate bad behaviour nor can we expect legislation to yield good behaviour. My hope is that as anglers we will take it upon ourselves to self regulate fishing standards and etiquette in a responsible manner. This should also be coupled with heavy fines and confiscation of gear and licence suspensions. This may seem to drastic to some however the ship sailed on allowing talking. What is needed is COLLECTIVE ACTION.

Buddy needs some crest to go with that floss

That's why I like fly fishing and I prefer the fish bite rather than I snagg them.

Thank you Rod, thank you so much for making this video. I live in northern California and i'm constantly batting people over this topic. I get so frustrated watching all the people around here who think flossing is a legit style of fishing, i constantly tell them that just because its technically legal. Does not for a minute mean its ethical. This lifestyle of salmon and steelhead means that we bear responsibility on helping conserve this resource that we all love. These fish are not just fish to people like myself and i'm sure you, these fish are what gives my life fulfillment, along with my family, i live for chasing these fish. And like i say just because flossing is technically legal, doesn't mean it isn't wrong to do. Half the fun of chasing these fish is exactly that, the chase. Catching them and then harvesting them is the bonus of the trips. Enticing these fish to consistently bite and what method you chose to master is the goal. I'm a big drift fisherman and love bouncing the bottom with either roe or shrimp, nothing better then that bite. Learning this bobber technique the last few years as well. I'm not just a salmon and steelhead fisherman, i live for these fish and the places they bring us. Unfortunately my government and policies have almost wiped out the fish, so years we are allowed to fish for them and they have shown up the last thing anyone should be doing is going down and flossing fish just because they can.

Fished Lake Michigan for years. Discusted by the snagging I witnessed. Went on my dream trip to Alaska. They take snagging to a whole new level. Pretending to "fish" but really snagging them in the mouth. At least we're upfront about it here (where it's still legal).

In regards to flossing, i get how it can be unethical. But some people are there purely to harvest fish for food. If they are handling the fish properly and keeping them in the water before release, i think its alright. These fish get pressured on the ocean and lots get major injuries from nets and other wild life.

I understand there are different types of people out on the river bank. There are those who see this as primarily a meat fishery and are only interested on filling their freezer and fish stores for winter no matter how they do that. They are not interested in how that hook gets in the mouth, if its there and its a hatchery, dead fish. Then there are those like myself who would rather catch absolutely nothing if it wasn't a fair biting fish. The art of Angling and getting fish to bite is the enjoyable part to me and I still get to take home fish. To me whatever method the end result and the treatment of fish should be the same. Just cause you see it as a meat fishery does not mean the fish do not deserve respect. I find it funny how often the people out intentionally snagging and flossing fish are also the ones who have less respect for the salmon as well. Where the ones actually out there fishing / Angling seem to believe more in resource protection and caring for the environment. Whatever method you use if it is legal that should be up to the individual to use. But everyone out there should be using the same level of respect and protection of non-retainable fish. Thanks for doing this Rod. Tough to see so many fish dragged up on the beach for prolonged periods of time and kicked back in. I just don't understand how people can do this out in the open. To be filmed and put on the internet. Do people not have any dignity, integrity anymore? Like what's with all the trash on the river banks? We all share this space keep it clean, free and wild as possible.

Another effort to educate, and preserve what can be one of the best ways to enjoy the incredible environment and resources many work hard to sustain. Education is crucial to positive change. Thank you. There are many other problems, also associated with what happens on the Vedder, for example, it was so busy this year there, All fisheries enforcement was allocated there for duty. This leaves other areas like the Fraser below certain nearby tribs and staging coho being harvested or abused by the same pack of goofs on a daily basis, as well as others fishing lower on the Fraser with full disregard of regulations. My take is its similar to traffic enforcement on any given cities roads. The biggest problem areas and issues get addressed as resources allow but behaviors and numbers just overwhelm. Such as things happening meanwhile on the Stave river during a chum non targeting closure. Super frustrating when its more than just a spectrum of ability and knowledge of fishing but the bizarre perspective of I dont care or I have rights etc. Anyway it was another wicked season of chromers and good buddies on the banks, happy fishing folks~

A must video to be watch by everyone that's planning to go salmon go fishing

I am so pissed off right now. That would not happen if I had seen that. Good job, Rod.

Awesome video Rod! Great that you took time to film these idiots than fishing it yourself. These idiots are much better compared to those that I have encountered this year. They bonked any fish whether it was snagged or illegal to keep. Probably because this spot was out in the open or they saw you filming😅

Flossing is a nice way of saying snagging and it’s why I won’t fish for salmon like that. Shoulder to shoulder in unison looking for a snag 😂

It appears that we lost this battle. After a few years, I went back to the Vedder and was disappointed by how many people are just bonking boots, killing chinook for roe and just overall kill late fish. It's going to lead us to the same result with the chum fishery. I remember when chum were abundant and you could catch one after another. Now springs are abundant, but it won't last long. Education won't work at this point.

Thanks Rod, Great to hear from like minded, fishery conscious people. I feel bad enough when I accidentally foul hook that the idea of doing it on purpose sickens me. Thanks for helping to educate those that need it.

Very educational video. Thank you for sharing this Rod.

DFO needs to take "determine they are snagging" seriously, and implement serious repercussions. They are way too soft, not taken seriously, so it continues

Very important video in my opinion. This year the practice of flossing was done by an overwhelming majority on the Vedder River and it was depressing to witness

I found myself getting angry and had to stop watching. Proper fishing technique along with appropriate ways to release are so important to maintaining this resource

I'm new to fishing in B.C. and I'm starting to realize that just because these older guys catch a lot of fish, and have all the nice and proper gear; doesn't mean they're fishing properly. Just watching that many anglers blatantly, and recklessly fish like that, gets my blood boiling. Have a little more respect for nature and the sport. Useless people now days; fishing like nothing is gonna happen. If you read up on why caviar is so expensive, you'll know that sturgeon were over fished in the 20th century causing regulations to be put in place. Like sturgeon are no longer aloud to be caught because of the over fishing, and these regulations were put into place as early as 1993. Having said that, you get a lot of guys like these, fishing everyday, just thinking that they're letting the fish go, only for them to die shortly there after; the population will end up decreasing. The same thing will end up happening with more and more species.

What I like to do is tell them to stop first, if they don’t listen, just take video and send it to DFO and report by phone right away, most of the time they will stop. Also if more and more people not just feel angry but stand out, these people who treat fish like shit and snag fishing will realize that there are watchful eyes everywhere. I believe DFO did take such illegal behaviors seriously, but pretty sure they are short handed. This is our river, this is our fishery, let us do something to make it better.

I’m glad you are calling this activities out! I’m from Spain, where we don’t have the privilege to fish so much salmon as in BC. Simply the preservation came too late. Keep doing it and showing new anglers how to do it. Because most of times I found out that they do wrong things simply because of lack of knowledge! Great videos!

More people should call this behaviour out. Thank you for putting this out there and educating people.

If you're going to floss use barbless They make us do that in Washington state. In some of the rivers.

Here in Washington we have a river that has zero visibility due to glacial runoff. It's all flossing. End of the drift they set the hook lol. I always wondered why fishermen would chase their fish and yell "coming down". Its because the fish is hooked in the ass and it's running. I refuse to fish that river. It is one big shit show. As far as handling fish, that is terrible. Get a net. And keep the fish in the water.

BRAVO ROD for speaking up! The problem is the relationship between fisher and quarry. Fish are NOT resources NOT groceries. They are living creatures. Master hunters, fishers, outdoorsmen have a near spiritual relationship with their quarry. They admire and value their lives and show respect for their kill, which are consumed and become part of their own living body. Flossing isnt sporting and poor handling is BAD. Tailing fish, gripping and grinning, using roe are also OUTSIDE the values of this kind of sportman.

I admit the flossing problem is bad but is there any rule that will indirectly or directly stop people from flossing? Putting a maximum leader length wouldn't stop people from bottom bouncing and if you implement too many rules many anglers will be mad

Wow. Sucks to watch the fish being handled like that. 💔 Thanks for the video! Very educational and a highly talked about topic in the online community.

Seen this disgusting fish handling at the kitimat river. People pulling up oversize springs up onto the rocks and allowing the fish to beat themselves to death while they get their tape measures out. I'll always go up and offer my net to these guys and just mention that they gotta be keeping these fish in the water until they determine if its legal or not.

Unless the river is all hatchery fish they should just shut them down at this point. The fish are having enough struggles to get up the river and spawn let alone going through the gauntlet of nets and then lead and hooks. They should be home free once they get to the river

This is awesome! Love knowing and the knowledge before i venture to the vedder or any other fisheries!!

I dident fish vedder this season because i was disgusted having to share water with idiots like this... more DFO less goofs

Brutal, they have a net right behind them! It just keeps getting worse every year!!!

Heartbreaking. More naming and shaming needed.

Rod, what is your opinion as to why fisheries officers are not present up and down the Vedder during the salmon runs and catching/fining and teaching/educating folks about proper fishing? Thank you for the video!

In Washington state this is a huge problem!

You should call the dfo right away, take action bro!!than uploading video’s in RU-vid those people don’t care

From my experience; im a east coast Latino now living in Alaska for 8 years. What I have noticed is the folks snagging are usually drunk natives who are angry and for sone reason want to go illegal. I had a confrontation once with a very intoxicated man. Long story short, I got to keep his gear when it was all said and done.

Flossing or snagg use net to release the fish and not to land it and hurt the fish.

you said it best - "pathetic"

Those people are portraying behaviours no different than those illegally fishing… the more I watch the angrier I get.. 🤬🤬🤬I honestly doubt they will change even if approached and offered to be educated. I saw a guy doing it right beside me once, I tried to tell him but he will just look at me and smile back… at least he wasn’t showing aggression.. when most do 😢 and I am a girl so I don’t dare to tell a group like that.. it’s pretty sad and frustrated 😞 For me, I just can’t in any way find that kind of fishing ‘fun’ or ‘enjoyable.’

Thanks Rod for making this video and all the efforts to promote fishing ethics…just curious about what’s in that grey rod bag behind you, doesn’t look like something designed for North America

You are being way to nice and diplomatic here Rod. It's illegal obvious and disgusting. Thise guys 99% know that they are doing illegal thing.

Excellent video. These types of anglers should really be taken to task. So much of this type of fish handling out there. Its a real crime. People need to be educated more, but sadly there are always some that don't care. Just like the litter that is out there, Should be "Pack it in, Pack it out." Thanks again Rod, you have addressed a topic that is very important to future fisheries..

People flossing/snagging fish has only risen each year and its becoming a big issue on many rivers. I agree the fine needs to be very high but maybe some jail time would be good as well. These type of people are lazy and have no ethic when it comes to fishing and the pure lack of respect for the fish is horrible.

Absolute scumbags. No respect at all for the fish. Good work for getting the video. If I see this going on I’d be straight up to them! Zero fishing etiquette.

Another malpractice I see a lot is handling the fish with gloves or rough dry cloths. Lots of people think that the layer of protection of the salmon are the scales, but it is a mucous layer on the skin that protects them from bacteria. It’s important to handle the fish in the water and with bare hands. Gloves and clothes, etc damage the protective layer. And if possible, get the hands wet before handling the fish. In short, everyone should buy a net to catch and release.

Some don’t realize fishing is a sport same people cheat at monopoly I personally am not shy and will drop my rod to become temp DFO snaggers piss off to save on leave our rivers alone

Honestly dfo isn't out there on the river enough. They are also part of the problem just like these googans are.

the fisheries officers could have collected everyones names there. your video showing the illegal behaviour of these individuals should be enough to give them further fines.

Because of this kind of behavior I can't even bring myself to fish the Vedder any more.

Hi man. I will take you to Courtois !!!

Here in the PNW, the difference between flossing and Drifting is what a person does after the drift - a hookset after the drift equals Flossing.

those guys fishing are now watching this video. ahhh the internet .🤪 Good to bring attention too.

People flossing and dragging fish onto the bank are essentially just bonking the fish and releasing it

This year has been horrible for ppl flossing or snagging.. short float short leader the only way

good video, this is the vedder river in BC, the river should be shut down and the fish left alone.

this is all due to the lack of enforcement and it's the vedder river the quality of fishermen who fish this river is so low it's ridiculous. I haven't fished this river for over 20 years because i can't watch this kind of things that happen all the time. Fisheries could generate so much money for the hatchery if they would use more enforcement and ticketing.

This is so sad to see we need to have these fish for future gens and this is not how we protect them😢

I would suggest that you should organize an actual training class on the river 25 people at least and teach them proper way to catch salmon, the legal way to fish.

Thats crazy these guys never get caught

I think over next 10 years we will see it run dry . Few cycles like that and its all carp

It just makes my blood boil

I've seen guy's get their arse's beat questioning those kinda FOLK'S. Best to let karma lick THEIR arse's. Call a game ranger in my state they'll never come. And if they do come eventually catching said folks they tend to ticket The hell outta them depending on the offense They loose everything

There should be a online course that one takes before they can get a license. Would not take much effort or money to get this going. Unless you have the Liberal Feds do it in which case it will cost $54 million and never work properly. Seriously tho, think boater course, driver license, etc... Watch a video on species answer questions, watch a video on allowed techniques answer questions, landing techniques, illegal methods, conservation etc...

So gross.

I'm not going to buy a special release net when they are made of wood and charge $200

I think this video will have a very positive effect on the river. It’ll definitely spread awareness on this ongoing issue, but more importantly to those new rods that, let’s be honest, are all watching your content. 👍🙏

Catch and release is just animal torture for entertainment. Eat the fish or get off the river

Thank you Rod, it was a video that needed to be done. This year was noticeably bad for poor ethics. So much so we left early from our 10 day trip. I believe we need better defined regulations similar to Oregon in regards to leader length and fishing methods. Hopefully through education and enforcement they can get this under control before the river is dominated by snaggers and the true anglers, the stewards, leave.

Good video Rod. It is funny that at no time did they use the giant net behind them to net the fish, just drag it up. I've learned a lot this year due to your videos and Petr's, as well as meeting nice folks on the river. It needs to be a discussion but some folks are not as receptive as others.

I think a lot of time new anglers get frustrated when they don't get fish. They see anglers constantly hooking on and copy what they are doing without knowing the difference between flossing/snagging/enticing a bite. Thank you for doing this educational video.

Hey rod, thanks for this awesome video!! I've got a question for you, I've noticed tons of anglers cast into a spot and their bobber stays in the same place even though it's a moving river. when I cast through the run, my buvber floats down the river. What are these anglers doing? Is this considered flossing? They seem to catch a ton of fish.

This happens everywhere unfortunately. Whenever I witness an act like this I politely try to tell the offender the do's and do not's of fishing etiquette. Most times they listen and are appreciative of my advice. Very seldom are they not. Great video, Rod.

sad part here Rod is the fisheries officers are lacking in sufficient numbers, and seem not to have the balls to enforce the laws if they are present when this happens, obviously someone can video these people, phone it in, and let the officers take over, but if they dont show up it doesnt work, this is the break in the chain, it is way too present in this fishery and officials seem to turn a blind eye in general, and i'll be the one to say it, these guys will claim they cant speak English if approached, without a doubt, now throw in the Ukrainians who claim not to know English when they successfully poach fish here in Canada, its a joke, Fisheries and Oceans behind trudildeau are too woke to care

That is absolutely brutal