Dear Sir:
In a recent column printed in The Terrace Standard, regarding steelhead salmon abundance, Rob Brown, your writer, makes a very personal attack against Mike Langegger of Kitimat.
The reason for this seems to be a simple case of some people not wanting to share their toys.
One must remember, steelhead are not a plaything to be hoarded and kept away from those anglers who might want to eat any abundant species of salmon. The argument that there are never quite enough steelhead to harvest is a dangerous one to promote. If there are truly not enough, then perhaps the directed wounding of them (catch and release) for pleasure and profit should end.
According to some authorities between three and seven per cent of all steelhead caught and released later die due to various reasons, even under the most careful handling situations.
I commend Mike Langegger for promoting the thought that steelhead salmon should be shared amongst all users of the fishery resource.
They should be managed as a renewable source of protein, not just toys for a select few.
Steelhead are, after all, a fish. Keep up the good work, Mike, and don’t let the personal attacks through you off of a common-sense and traditional value. You are supported by many.
Igor Steciw, Smithers, BC
