Chris Bellows
Steelhead
I’d be interested to see what @Nick Clayton and @Chris Bellows have seen in regards to saltwater coho catch and release and mortality if any while doing their guided trips.
SF
Can’t speak to mortality well after release but fly caught, non-netted released coho do pretty well imo. Can’t remember any floaters or damaged fish, and remember seeing floaters around gear anglers, especially in the early days of wild coho release offshore. Netting, bringing fish on board and double hook rigs imo are the three worst things you can do if you are planning on releasing any fish.
As I continue to say in these conversations, be careful what you wish for if you want to see wild release go away. I remember the seasons pre-clipped fish and after, and the opportunity to fish is much higher now. But if you’re looking for salmon seasons to mimic halibut seasons than I say go for it.