Preservation of our local fish populations is key to their success. Remember to love ’em and leave ’em to safeguard local fish communities in Utah.
Keep fish wet. This is the number one priority to release the fish in a healthy state. Keep fish in water as you are taking the hook out of its mouth.
Keep your fingers out of the fish’s gills. Remember, these are the lungs of the fish and poking their gills can damage these vital organs.
Handle them with care. Hold the fish without squeezing their body to reduce the chance of injuring the fish’s internal organs and be sure not to wipe slime from the fish. Fish slime protects the fish against disease. Keep your hands wet so as not to damage the fish’s delicate skin.
Use rubberized nets. Rubberized nets are less likely to scratch the skin and wound the fish.
Use single, barbless hooks. Hooks can be detrimental and kill fish after you release them into the water. Using barbless and single hooks reduces the amount of trauma to the fish.
Have a pair of pliers handy. Needle nose pliers or hemostats that are curved are best to get the hook out easily.
Keep the fish out of the water for as little time as possible. “How long would you put your head underwater?” is Travis’ guideline for holding a fish out of water.
A Q&A WITH JAN’S FLY FISHING EXPERT AND
PARK CITY LOCAL, TRAVIS VERNON.
Q Describe one of your best days on the water.
A “One of the most memorable days I ever had on the water was when I was able to take my father, Larry J. Vernon, fly fishing for the first time. My father taught me so much about stalking trout, and how to catch them but he was never really into fly fishing.
I was almost 40 when one day he finally relented and headed up into the mountains with me with only a fly rod. Following some quick instruction he was landing dry flies in spots he knew had fish and soon landed a nice cutthroat trout. I enjoy sharing the outdoors with everyone but this was a special moment to teach my father something new and spend some time in the high mountain streams.”
Q What is your favorite place, not on the water?
A “No way I can answer that. I love the different seasons and being outside. That can mean bowhunting elk in the Wyoming wilderness in September to chasing quail in Arizona with my dogs in January. I guess not counting rivers and mountains my favorite place is cooking with my wife, Nancy, in the kitchen. We both love to fish, hunt, forage, and cook. Having a meal together provided by Mother Nature is pretty tough to beat.”
Q As a Park City local, what are favorite grub and watering holes?
A “My favorite bar would have to be Maxwells at Kimball Junction. Great food and a great staff. I find myself there with friends aft er work. I enjoy eating out and Park City has restaurants galore. Depends on the mood for me but I enjoy Sushi Blue, Windy Ridge Cafe, Squatters, Grubsteak, and El Chubasco with regularity. Each has its own appeal for sure.”
For Fishing Gear and Guide information, visit Travis at Jans on Park Avenue.
