Newbie Question - Foul Hooked Salmon

[OldTimer]

(09-19-2014 04:18 AM)Boatless Wrote:  Another newbie question - foul hooked salmon - if you have an obviously foul hooked salmon, what are your thoughts on how to best release:

-cut your line right away - leaving your hardware on the fish (3/4 oz spoon and 10+ yards line)?
-bring in the fish and remove all your hardware and then release?

Am I understanding the regulations correctly that I can bring in a foul hooked fish as long as I release it properly? I have read in other forums where bystanders will start yelling at the fisher with a foul hooked fish to cut the line - not sure if this is because they want to ensure that the fish is not kept or if they believe that the fish must be release right away.

I know I may be simplifying this situation as there can be many variables - but I am inclined to think that it would be better to quickly bring in the fish if I can do so without causing injuries and then remove my hardware before releasing than cutting the line leaving all the hardware on the fish which is liable to handicap the fish on its journey upstream. Thank you for your thoughts...

The 2014 Ontario regs say it is illegal to:

   

"Catch" implies landing, "released" implies previous possession, "immediately" is crystal clear.

Do note that it is also illegal to attempt to foul hook fish. Use of a 3/4 ounce spoon on a pier is fine............. use of a 3/4 ounce spoon (or such) upstream is a snagger's tactic.

Cheers,

OldTimer