With all of the concern over the safe release of native steelhead and salmon for that matter, has anyone considered the use of a cradle release like used for muskie?

http://www.fishontario.com/articles/muskie-cradle/

I have used them a couple times on large muskies in Wisconsin and there are several advatanges, such as: the fish can remain in the water, the fish is unable to thrash about while trying to remove a hook, it is easy to measure the fish, you can weigh the fish in the cradle, the cradles take up less room in the boat, the cradles use a fine mesh which is easier on the fish.

Anyone tried this out here? Of course I'm not talking about the little ones, but it seems that many of you target the large native steelhead this time of year. How do you do it now?

Very interesting.
Can't see why it wouldn't work or be a good thing for steelhead considering the new regs. It's also good to know it has some proven success with other fisheries too.

seems like the fish would have to be almost completely exhausted to get them in the cradle. I personaly don't like to do that to fish that are to be released

Completely exhausted? Versus what? Waiting until they are so tired you can grab them by hand? I think you have it backwards. The cradle allows you to handle the fish earlier and release the fish in better condition.

The idea with the cradle is that you can lead a fish into or even scoop up a fish like you are using a net and then the fish can be easily controlled without the fish being able to injure itself by thrashing about. Once the cradle is closed the fish can't move much.

First it is a two person deal. You couldn't cradle your own fish, but once you(or more likely a guide) masters the technique, it becomes easier than you think. It has to be much better than trying to do it by hand and much much better than using a net.

I know these are very popular with guides in WI/MN that handle 20,30, 40, 50lb muskie. I'm curious to hear from some of the steelheading guru's as to why the technique wouldn't transfer.

I think it could be a good idea, I think it would have to be tested.

ET,you seem to have all the answers to your own questions,what are you asking for?

I don't fish for steelhead and with all the discussion about proper handling of large natives, I wonder if anyone has used one and if not, why.

There were some pictures on a thread here not long ago showing a steelhead in a cradle.

Might be as easy to cradle a fish as tail it since both methods would require "control" of the fish. The advantage I see is the ability to keep the fish (in the cradle) under better control and you wouldn't have to put your hands on it.

What kind of fabric is generally used for cradles?