30 lb. Monster - I caught it - Positive Comments Please

[30ManStan]

Well, boys, here I am, 30ManStan, I caught the fish you have been dreaming of.  Well, let me tell you, I've been dreaming of it too.  I want to start a new thread and out of respect for me and this fish I would like this thread to only include positive comments.  Please don't bash me or pretend to know any of the circumstances surrounding why I was in WA, what my experince on Steelhead or any other type of fishing is or how I encountered the incredible fish.  Rest assured, I do understand what I have achieved.  I will get this fish mounted by the finest taxidermist in the state of Washington, and I will also honor the memory of this beast and the day I was lucky enough to connect with him, for the rest of my life. 

Now, I have to respond to some of the postings, as many are unfair and misrepresent me and this fish I've been lucky enough to catch. 

Is it a native?

Well, the guide I fished with has been fishing for 26 years.  It's the biggest steelhead to ever get into the boat.  The previous fish was about 4 pounds smaller.  This guide has seen plenty of Quinault River steelhead, I am sure many more than the average poster to this site has.  The spouse of this guide happens to work for the Quinault nation in the fisheries biology department. They know steelhead, they say it's a native.  What is a native anyway?  If a hatchery fish spawns with a native in the upper river, what's that?  When you introduce stocked fish in waters hosting native runs, I would expect the line between native and hatchery to get grayer.  It is certainly a wild spawner.

Has killing this fish affected the gene pool?

Well, that's an interesting question.  While I was fishing the area last week, the guide and other people kept me rather well informed about the status of the net harvest on a daily basis.  The way some of the posts read one would think that I was out there in that river with square hooks.   Anyway, during my days out that way, some may be interested to know that there were over 300 steelhead killed in the tribal nets on the Quinault river.  One day, I learned that 28 steelhead were caught in a net and 20 of those were over 20 pounds.  Do you truly believe that me killing that 1 fish of a lifetime really is going to make a big difference?  The posts made me feel like I was out there fishing square hooks.  If you want to have a bashfest, take a stance, make a difference - talk to the netters.  As far as the genes go, do you really think that this fish has not contributed to the gene pool?  Of course it has.  As one poster commented, the fish was old.  Therefore, the fish was a senior citizen and likely not much longer for this world.  I am sure he contributed signifcantly over the years to the gene pool.  This fish has had the opportunity to spawn on more than one occasion. I hope to eventually get the age of this fish, but, it has contributed, admirably I am sure.  The bottom line is that I do not believe that a recreational angler who keeps one fish legally can possibly affect native runs of fish.  Again I say - talk to the netters.  If I caught another 30 would I kill it? -No...   If I get a 40, we're gonna have to talk about that one.

When was the fish caught and what experience does this angler have?

I caught Mr Big on March 16, the third day of my trip.  I have been planning a trip out there for 4-5 years now, it wasn't my first trip and I wasn't on vacation.  I was scheduled for years but the March rains have cancelled me 4 or 5 years running.  I was out there around 2000 and I fished in the upper pennisula around Forks.  I got 3 bites in 4 days of fishing, we should not have even been fishing.  To me that's not steelhead fishing.  When I saw the nets strung all the way across the Hoh river, I knew I needed another option.  I have been fishing salmonoids for about 20 years now and I figure I've caught over 250 steelhead.  Of course, I've lost way more than that.  I cut my teeth on the Great Lakes and my previous personal best was 19 pounds.  I came to WA get a reasonable shot at one in the 20's.  I picked the Quinault River as the place.  I've been to Alaska numerous times and I really enjoy fishing sea-run arctic char in Ungava, Quebec.  I have chased salmonoids basically all over North America.  While I lucked out, I don't think you should call me an amateur.

Reproduction?

I say no way, I don't believe that plastic and styrofoam truely immortalize anything, except beer coolers.  If I wanted a reproduction, I would have taken a picture of you holding the fish.  I mount fish because it reminds of the time and place in my life where everything worked out.  I was in some beautiful place doing what I love to do and it worked out.  I caught something I don't want to forget.  One of those days happened last week.  Incidentally, I  have nine and soon to be 10 fish mounted.  I am not your average angler.   I feel like using the natural parts of the fish makes it more like my fish when I reminisce in my den where I can re-live some of the best moments of my life.  I am not interested in a generic copy and I like the idea of working with the taxidermist to design a truly custom piece for this "monster".   Many posts suggest that I must be misinformed, uneducated and/or do not realize what I have done.  I am a stranger to all of you, so obviously you do not know me or my motivations.  Along those lines, the guide quickly recognized how special the accomplishment was and very quickly suggested a mount for this fish - whole, (ie dead).  I think that it would have been virtually impossible to successfully measure, photograph and weigh that fish under the circumstances.  It was hot, and still a bit green when we landed him.  Handling that fish would have taken alot out of him and me.  He might not have survived.  Do you really know that any fish you release survives?  If you really don't want to affect the gene pool, and be certain about it,  I suggest you quit fishing.

I remain grateful for the experience, I appreciate the fact that the Quinault nation allows us to fish their land.  Get up there, there are shots at trophy fish to be had.  The bashing has already happened, so please keep this thread positive so that I can continue to respond. 

[BC Steel]

All that typing but it still doesnt make it ok to bonk native steelhead just because its legal or the native nets take more.

Yes the killing of one fish will effect the gene pool.

Your previous experience only proves that you should have known better than to kill such a magnificent fish.

Repo is only good for coolers? In fact you want to say "Hey, hey look at me! I killed THIS fish!

If you wanted positive responses only, you should have released the fish.

[Brian]

If you wanted positive responses only, you should have released the fish

Great statement BC!

There is no way that you will get only positive comments on this topic, and as you can see by BC's post this will only turn into a very negative thread. The staff here and many of our members are in full support of C & R for ALL wild steelhead. You gave your story and I'll leave it up to the others to think what they want. Your ignorance about our state's wild steelhead is very clear in your post. Thanks for sharing!

*************************************************************************

OK, due to the fact that I have had so many requests to open this thread back up so others can speak their mind about this topic I have opened it back up. But be forewarned, as soon as this thread turns into a flamefest or bash session it will be locked or removed. Stan asked for positive comments only, so please try to do so!

Thanks to those of you who PM'd me or e-mailed me, I appreciate your comments!

[Moose Eyes]

I agree with the IGNORANCE part, Brian but other words also come to mind.  Words like ARROGANT, SELFISH and DISRESPECTFUL. 

Stan -

You come onto a known pro-WSR fishing site after killing a large wild steelhead and tell us you only want positive comments and our respect?     Are you joking?! 

The fish is dead and there is nothing anyone can do about that.  And as you have pointed out, you broke no laws.  But why the need to plead your case here, Stan?  Why are you so desperate to have us understand you?  Could it be you are feeling a little guilty, Stan?  You know, a man's conscience is a powerful thing.  Listen to it, Stan - every time you look at the non-reproduction mount on your wall.

[Brian]

Here are a few of my responses to some of the comments you made in your post Stan. Feel free to share your comments with us, but be prepared for some heat in return. As Moose Eyes has already said, this site is well known for our views on wild steelhead, so getting only postive comments to your post may be difficult. There are many other sites that feel differently about this topic, you may want to check them out as well.

They know steelhead, they say it's a native.

I guess this confirms what most of us already knew!

Anyway, during my days out that way, some may be interested to know that there were over 300 steelhead killed in the tribal nets on the Quinault river

I imagine there were a fair amount of nates in this bunch, too bad!

I learned that 28 steelhead were caught in a net and 20 of those were over 20 pounds.  Do you truly believe that me killing that 1 fish of a lifetime really is going to make a big difference

20 steelhead over 20#'s dead in the nets. That is truly sad! and Yes I do think that killing a fish like that will make a big difference!

The bottom line is that I do not believe that a recreational angler who keeps one fish legally can possibly affect native runs of fish.

I do believe that a recreational angler can affect a run. Typically the sports angler has the last shot at these fish, so if it's released there is a very good chance it will spawn. If you feel this way then many others probably do as well. So its really not just one angler killing one steelhead, its many anglers killing many steelhead. 

If I caught another 30 would I kill it? -No...   If I get a 40, we're gonna have to talk about that one.

Well, I hope you don't find that 40 pounder next year!

Incidentally, I  have nine and soon to be 10 fish mounted.

There is a lot more to steelhead angling than mounting  one above your fireplace. You will probably never realize this with your trophy hunter mentality.

I feel like using the natural parts of the fish makes it more like my fish when I reminisce in my den where I can re-live some of the best moments of my life.

A fiberglass reproduction would be even better, along with a picture of you releasing the fish.   If everyone had your attitude, you wouldn't have the opportunity to experience these moments for very much longer.

Along those lines, the guide quickly recognized how special the accomplishment was and very quickly suggested a mount for this fish - whole, (ie dead).

This was a very special accomplishment, and I'd like to think my grandkids can one day enjoy the same type of accomplishment. It would be nice if the guides would consider this when making these type of statements, and maybe encourage the release of these wonderful fish.

I think that it would have been virtually impossible to successfully measure, photograph and weigh that fish under the circumstances.

It does make much more sense to bonk it first, so it will hold still for the measurements and photos!

Do you really know that any fish you release survives?

Yes, I'm quite certain that they survive.

If you really don't want to affect the gene pool, and be certain about it,  I suggest you quit fishing.

I think this comment applies more to anglers like you!

The bashing has already happened, so please keep this thread positive so that I can continue to respond.

Good luck!

[dardevle]

Stan, what I don't get is how you as an "accomplished" steelheader take any credit or satisfaction from fishing with a guide, from a jetsled, on a private river that is known as a fish factory.  Might as well go fish the Cowlitz.  Pure native or not by genes really doesn't matter, it's the best we have.  Maybe people from the East who rely on all hatchery strains forget that these native steelies out here are truly dinosaurs.

The "just one fish" theory cracks me up or makes me shed a tear like in that famous pollution commercial.  Do you have any idea how many guides work the OP where it is legal to take 1 fish.  That just one attitude can really add up over a winter.  If I'm not mistaken the Hoh would have made escapement the last couple of years if it wasn't for the just one theory.

[KGF]

I'd have kept that fish too!! And it would be hanging on the wall over the computer I'm typing this on! Its not like he was out poaching or something for gods sakes ...... its up to the person who caught if THEY want to let it go if its legal to keep ...... not you guys ....... your acting like a religious cult or something...... Anyways you can bash me ...... cause I really dont care.

[Brian]

its up to the person who caught if THEY want to let it go if its legal to keep ...... not you guys

Your right Keith,.... and he did!

your acting like a religious cult or something...... Anyways you can bash me ...... cause I really dont care.

I had a feeling this thread would end up like this, I should have left it locked! >

[dardevle]

If we kept our mouths shut for the last twenty years, Stan may never have had a shot at that fish.  Much of the success many of us have today is because people that care for the future of the sport and species have worked hard to educate people in spite of many outdated game laws.  KGF, there are many things that used to be legal, but  because of people fighting for what was right, the laws or at least public sentiment has changed.  

[ROCK FISH]

Positive Comment ...................Um nice fish 

If it was me and after a 30min battle I would cherish the moment and grant the fish a release.

[Jim W]

Well as a taxidermist all I can say is great fish glad you caught the fish of your dreams. But there are several replicas to the exact measurements you shared there are several 29.4 # fish that would have mad a phenomenal mount.
I have one in the shop right now for sale. Reproductions are made from a fish that was bonked and can be made to look totally real and used for others, who do catch the fish of their dreams, and that honors the fish. My fish guy and a few others I know can do it to look the same with pics, and even put in scares and imperfections that every fish have, especially if you get the right pics.

 But to say you need the skin, for the mounts memories and to have it done right is just plain sad and wrong. Skin mounts will only last your life time, and very few will last longer. That’s if you keep them in a dry clean environment, and its mounted, and painted right. Reproductions can handle any climate, and be treated a little rougher. Your skin mount will need to be handled with delicacy. and your skin mounts are just a piece of foam with a skin on it, and a  plastic eye, the head wont even be the actual head. they are molded and fake as well. The meat is wasted as well, so ask your self did you really honor that Fish?  There is a lot to good taxidermy, and a fish dripping oils or peeling in 5-10 years is not good taxidermy.

If it was the world record I would say mold it and have it for ever. Skin mounts do go bad. Just my 2 cents that fish should have spawned and cruised back to the salt for another go. But not to bust your Happy and exciting catch, congrats on the awesome catch and enjoy your memories. Jim W

[Salmonella]

I've never kept a steelhead, wild or hatchery.
They are a beautiful creature that has given me years of excitement and created a tremendous bond between me and my young son.
However I would be a hypocrite for chastising someone for killing a fish as I have a trophy room full of mounted trophy animals.
However WTT is dead on (sorry)
Repros are a much superior product as far as taxidermy goes.
They WILL last beyond your lifetime and hold paint better than a greasy old skin mount.
With today's digital cameras, the photos of live fish that you have conquored are so impressive.
Repro on the wall with a quality photo underneath...When the toad is landed, that is without a doubt the way to go.
Steelhead are too special to to do battle only once.

[slimfisher]

This does not require a long though out answer. This is a sensitive subject and your approach mr. 30manstan, is what has been killing stocks of steelhead and salmon for years. Its those kind of attitudes that have killed - completely wipped out some our steelhead runs. With growing concerns and issues of global warming, over harvesting, netts, what are you going to do when that broodstock is nocked out. How about those eggs that just get washed out when a good rain or MUD slide, which the quinalt is prone to. As generations progress, stocks get lower, lower, and lower. The way things are looking out for our beautiful state, you may not see a fish like that come 20 or 30 years.

A memory is the finest trophy if you ask me.

The quinalt tribe does a dang good job with their fishery, but they are not fish gods and they by no means can outsmart nature. Nature takes it course in this state. Our fisheries are corrupt and the way I see it, our fisheries will continue to go down hill.

[The Codfather]

"If I get a 40, we're gonna have to talk about that one."

I hope you never hook a specimen of that size, I fear that it will only end up in your freezer. That will be just another " one " removed from the gene pool. I have a hard time coming to terms with this catch and kill mentality Stan. Blaming nets solely, rationalizing your kill by saying, " its only one fish". That fish sits dead and whole in your freezer, for what purpose? I hope the ego boost is worth its weight in native steel.

[30ManStan]

Guess what boys, I just ate a carrot, before it had a chance to bear it's seeds.  Oh no!  Despite your "best" efforts, I apparently have not learned a thing.  Now I am a carrot-killer.  What have I done?

KFG - I am with you 100%  If they think I care or am even listening....

Handle 'em like steelhead ...  Exercise 'em for sport. 

Stay tuned because I am going to post a few more photos and you guys can debate "native" or not, live or dead, etc, etc,   In the meantime while you guys continue crying over spilled milk, I'll be fishing, I leave tomorrow.

You have your opinion, I have mine.  I'm not changing you, you're not changing me.  Let's just get along. 

30ManStan