Any critter that swims naked in ice water can't be all that intelligent, although sometimes I wonder. I believe that STEALTH is essential in certain situations, mostly clear,& medium to low water conditions. A fishing buddy of mine laid down a set of pliers on the deck during a low water fall salmon trip and fish 75 yards downstream from the boat streaked away in the opposite direction. It wasn't a loud noise but the alumium deck acted like a hydro-speaker with the volume on high. I also do not wade unless it is necessary because I think it can spook fish. During low water conditions you'll find me wearing camo clothing on my upper body. While fishing the Skookumchuck last spring, I observed just how sensitive a steelhead can be. I was standing well up in the brush observing two bright steelhead holding in a tailout. As I considered how to approach them an angler walked down stream on the opposite bank. Both fish moved into deeper, more protected water before the fisherman even got within casting distance. He fished the hole and moved down stream, never seeing me or the pair of fish. Five minutes later the pair had returned to their resting place. Obviously, the fish "heard" his footfalls as he approached. No doubt about it stealth can mean the difference between a hookup and a skunk.