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When possible, I try to catch Terry Wickstrom's fishing show (Channel 25 on my cable setup). I've gotten some good information from Terry, and it seems he'd make an affable streamside companion.
But one part of his show troubles me -- a lot. His fish handling skills are virtually non-existant. Every show, at least one fish flops from his grasp and hits his boat, or his boots, or the rocks. Sometimes this happens three or four times in a 21-minute show.
Last week Terry's show featured a 9-year-old. Heckuva an angler, that kid. But the kid never wetted his hands before handling the prize. That would have been a perfect opportunity for Terry to give some instruction -- to the youngster and to his viewers. But fish handling isn't something Terry talks much about.
Experience tells me that mishandling fish does more damage to trout than a hook (except when swallowed). Some anglers make it a point to remove the hook (fly) without otherwise touching the trout. I'm not demanding that everyone do it, but it's something worth thinking about.
OK, I've had my say. Don't know if Terry posts here or not, but if so, I'd appreciate a response. Any other opinions out there?
But one part of his show troubles me -- a lot. His fish handling skills are virtually non-existant. Every show, at least one fish flops from his grasp and hits his boat, or his boots, or the rocks. Sometimes this happens three or four times in a 21-minute show.
Last week Terry's show featured a 9-year-old. Heckuva an angler, that kid. But the kid never wetted his hands before handling the prize. That would have been a perfect opportunity for Terry to give some instruction -- to the youngster and to his viewers. But fish handling isn't something Terry talks much about.
Experience tells me that mishandling fish does more damage to trout than a hook (except when swallowed). Some anglers make it a point to remove the hook (fly) without otherwise touching the trout. I'm not demanding that everyone do it, but it's something worth thinking about.
OK, I've had my say. Don't know if Terry posts here or not, but if so, I'd appreciate a response. Any other opinions out there?