Catch-and-release fishing for trout is not a conservation tool. It’s a way to manage trout populations for larger fish, based mainly on sociological or even political pressures. Sometimes it doesn’t even produce larger fish, and it can backfire when it inflames local anglers. Tim Traver [38:50], author of Lost in the Driftless, has spent years studying the effects of fishing regulations on both fish and human populations and I think your eyes will open to the limitations of regulations like “fly-fishing only” or “catch-and-release”.

In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of interesting questions and comments from listeners, including:

What can I do to avoid crowds on a heavily pressured eastern trout stream?

What is the best way to carry a net when using a sling bag?

A listener has some great comments on why bamboo rods are so special.

Why am I consistently breaking off large brown trout using 6X tippet?

If I don’t have a fishing backpack or vest, how can I carry a net?

How can I fish very fast water effectively with a dry dropper rig?

If most fish food is dull colored, why do we use so many wild colors in our flies?

A listener makes some great points on why fishing close to home is desirable.

A physicist weighs in on what a trout can see from underwater.

Can I effectively Euro-nymph with my 9-foot, 5-inch Blackout rod?

What are some good uses for squirrel tail in fly tying?

What is everyone doing in the northeast for fly fishing during the drought?