Sunday, in the process of filling up the boat with springers, I finally encountered #20, the known bandit with the "20" brand on his back that has been terrorizing everyone down at Cathlamet this year. Took my bud's fish like a dry fly 10 seconds after he hooked it. Well, we don't allow that, and deal with it as we would with any 4000 pound "fish" - they want to run, we run 'em. They way I fugure it, my boat is faster and just as manouverable, and I have more gas. Anyway, we put my bud in the bow, cranked down the drag, and ran him, never let him up to tear the fish up or get more than a quick breath, and after a half hour he was too pooped to stay under for more than 10 seconds and the whites of his eyeballs were showing. I finally had to run my boat up on his back before he let go, but as soon as he did we scooped the fish on the fly - thankfully it was a slickback as it was quite dead and bled out - and he took off like a cut cat never to be seen on the drift the rest of the day. You should have heard the cheers from the other boats We managed to hook 4 more fish and land the other 3 completely unmolested Guys, you get one of these puppies on, don't panic, just run them down. You don't get them all the time if the fish isn't well hooked, but if it is you can get them. It works, believe me, I'm 4 for 4 taking the fish back over the last 2 years :p As a bonus, if everyone ran the b@stards down they would eventually leave us alone. So go get 'em

That's awesome. Give those fat *******s a workout and show them who's boss.

Way to go Spawnout I agree if everyone did it the sea lions would learn we aren't such easy pickings. I'd love to do it, but couldn't you be given a big ticket for "harassment"?

Of course, I'd have to catch a springer first....which I haven't done this year.... and it seems time is running out.

Yee Hah! Three cheers for Spawnout!

Spawnout, I don't blame you, but be careful. I've heard of guys chasing pilfering sea lions down like that and getting their fish back, but the feds or even state fish cops I think could jump all over you for that, maybe hurt you in the pocketbook bigtime.

ET
Just tell them you wanted to get the hooks out of the fish so it wouldn't hurt the poor ol sea lion and give him a tummy ache! That isn't harrasment, that is caring for cute cuddly sea lion friends!

Good job spawn out!

Beautiful...You da man!

Spondo was wearing fins and a mask in case one of those fat *******s wanted to go a couple rounds.

Git 'em Spondo!

This really works. I've got my fish back down at Chinook doing this. Stay on top of the fish with the boat so the fish stealer can't get a breath. When he comes up & you're right there they dive quickly. I don't think they can eat when they are trying to breathe. When they let go, horse it away from dem bastages & be quick on the net.

Spawnout,

You crack me up! Officially, I'd condemn illegal harrassment of protected species. On the other hand, thanks for the tip. Wild animals should not be artificially fed hooked fish.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

Yep, sometimes that works if you can get on 'em quick. The idea is that they can't swallow underwater.