Properly catching and releasing fish while taking photos?

Question: My friends and I are all fly fishermen who promote catch and release fishing rather than taking fish for consumption.

Many other fishermen, fishing guides and lodges, as well as most fly fishing magazines also claim to share this philosophy but then publish untold numbers of photos of people holding the fish they’ve caught.

Typically these photos reveal the fish being held for quite a few seconds out of water, and clearly their slime barrier is being broken by the clutching hands.

I wonder how many fish handled in this way ultimately die from the stress of being caught, held out of water and having their protective coating compromised.

While growing up, I was taught if you break the slime barrier, the fish will likely die. Is this true?

Moreover, most anglers I know count successful days of fishing as catching (and releasing) as many fish as possible.

If you consider the increased probability of a fish dying from being caught and held, multiplied by the number of fish caught, there could be a lot of mortality which goes directly against the point of catch and release. Can you please provide some information on this issue? (David W.)

Answer: While many photo layouts suggest prolonged time out of water, it can obviously vary greatly. According to Senior Environmental Scientist Jeff Weaver, a good rule of thumb is to hold your breath when you lift the fish and get it back into the water before you run out of breath.

Wetting hands before handling fish is probably the most effective method to minimize damage to the slime coating.

Handling fish with dry hands generally removes at least some areas of this protective barrier, subjecting the fish to increased risk of fungal or other infection (though not necessarily mortality).

If extra time is needed to set up the photo or make adjustments to correct for lighting problems, etc. the fish should be retained under water in a net for as much time as possible.

There are four important practices that will help reduce mortality:

1) Keep most of the body of the fish in the water while photographing it, particularly the opercula and gills so they remain oxygenated;

2) Always hold the fish with wet hands underneath the pectoral fins (near the head) and at the caudal peduncle (narrow part just forward of the caudal or tail fin) to avoid injury to the vital organs in the belly;

3) Assuming you have a fishing partner that will serve as photographer, have them get the camera settings ready and set up the frame of the picture while the fish is retained underwater in a net. Quickly remove the fish from the water for a picture and return it to the net to rest and respirate for some time, then lift it again for another shot (only if necessary to get a good photo).

4) Always recover the fish before releasing it to the point that it can swim of its own accord and remain upright. If necessary, hold the fish with the mouth facing upstream in an area with adequate flow to ensure thorough oxygenation of the gills.

When transporting turkeys home, which parts are required for ID?

Question: What portions of a turkey is a hunter required to retain for identification purposes? I’m not sure that “plucking a turkey in the field but leaving the beard attached” is sufficient to stay legal when transporting.

While keeping the beard would certainly help identify, I believe a fully feathered head or wing is the actual requirement. In fact, if a hunter chooses to pluck both wings and leave the “fully feathered head” attached, would that be enough proof for identification purposes?

Please advise. (Blake D.)

Answer: Hunters are not required to retain the turkey’s beard. However, “all birds, including migratory game birds, possessed or transported within California must have a fully feathered wing or head attached until placed into a personal abode or commercial preservation facility or when being prepared for immediate consumption” (California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 251.7).

Since the law only authorizes the take of bearded turkeys during the spring season, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recommends leaving the beard attached during the spring season (CCR Title 14, section 300).

How to properly preserve and transport Pacific halibut?

Question: I’m planning some trips this year to fish for Pacific Halibut. If we should happen to catch one of any size, what is the legal way to transport a fish if it won’t fit in a cooler?

Could it be filleted, and if so, when could that be done? I’m very particular about preserving fresh fish properly as soon as it’s caught. (Ross B.)

Answer: You may not fillet your Pacific Halibut when on your boat or before you land the fish (Fish and Game Code sections 5508-5509). Once ashore, there are no restrictions on filleting your fish into the size and conformity you want.

Video recording crab traps?

Question: Are there any regulations or restrictions regarding using video cameras (GoPros) on crab traps or lobster hoop nets? (Josh F.)

Answer: No, there are no fishing regulations that prohibit use of a video camera while fishing.

Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

LAKEPORT, Calif. – School sites at Lakeport Unified School District collaborated the first week of March to host and showcase Career Day for all of the district’s students.

During the two-day event, students from all schools were able to explore and gather information on a wide array of careers, with more than 50 presenters and 25 informational booths.

“I am so pleased that our schools were able to collaborate so that each student was able to experience
Career Day in some capacity,” said Lakeport Unified Superintendent Erin Smith-Hagberg. “All together we had over 700 students participate. I couldn’t be more pleased with our willing community participants and our wonderful group of staff and students.”

The event gave students at Terrace Middle, Lakeport Elementary, Lakeport Community Day, Clear Lake High and Natural Continuation High schools a chance to interact with local individuals from community colleges as well as representatives from the California State University system, the Department of Forestry, the Carpenters Union, and all military branches.

Local businesses such as The Shoe Box, Shoreline Reality and Umpqua Bank helped provide additional diversity in the career field.

Planning staff from Community Care Management Cooperation, REACH employees, and staff from the District Attorney’s Office were among the presenters.

Individuals and organizations, both within and outside the community, volunteered their time to benefit
Lakeport Unified’s students.

On March 6, high school students and middle school students in seventh and eighth grades were assigned a schedule for the day based on their career preferences.

Students were able to learn new information about a variety of careers. One student from Clear Lake High School stated, “I like that there were careers that you wouldn’t expect to see, but were very interesting,” while another said, “From tattoo artist to PG&E – we had it all.”

Students in grades fourth and fifth at Terrace Middle School had their Career Day opportunity on March 10.

Presenters came from surrounding area businesses to talk about their jobs and personal career paths
and interact with the students in a classroom setting.

Students were able to ask engaging questions and reflect on their personal interests and values.

Even the kindergarteners from Lakeport Elementary School were included; they were able to meet Chief Doug Hutchison from the Lakeport Fire Department and were ecstatic to see his “big” fire truck.

Elementary school counselor Sarah Carey said, “I believe there is a huge opportunity to assist students in becoming more aware of what they can accomplish at an early age. Letting our future leaders recognize their potential as early as possible is important to their growth as individuals.”

School counselors at the Lakeport Unified campuses were instrumental in the planning for this year’s Career Day and expressed gratitude to the many presenters and participants who gave their time.

SACRAMENTO – For a sixth year in a row the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) presented Cal Fire and DynCorp International with the FAA’s Diamond Award of Excellence for Aviation Maintenance.

The award recognizes Cal Fire’s aviation maintenance technicians after passing the difficult aircraft safety training program.

More than 75 technicians were recognized and each awarded with the William (Bill) O’Brian Award for Excellence.

“Cal Fire’s aerial firefighting fleet is an essential element in combatting California’s devastating wildfires,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, Cal Fire director. “We are proud of the hard work and commitment that our aviation management staff and DynCorp International mechanics do every day in maintaining the largest wildland aerial firefighting fleet in the world with an award-winning safety and maintenance program.”

Cal Fire maintains 22 airtankers, 15 air tactical aircraft, 12 helicopters, and other fixed-wing training and administrative aircraft.

All the aircraft are maintained at the department’s maintenance base at McClellan Air Park in Sacramento County.

Since the beginning of Cal Fire’s air program in the 1970s, safety and superior maintenance has been a top priority.

Along with Cal Fire’s seasonal aviation experts, DynCorp International mechanics ensure that the state’s firefighting air fleet is kept in pristine condition.

“This award is a testimony to the exceptional maintenance performed on all Cal Fire aircraft by DynCorp International team members,” said Jeffrey Cavarra, DynCorp International. “The strength of commitment by both DynCorp International and Cal Fire working together in a public/private partnership is a clear reflection of this prestigious award.”

With record breaking rainfall totals throughout California this year, the threat of wildfires during the warmer months will continue to increase as the abundant annual grass crop dries out. More rain has produced more grass and underbrush, increasing the fuel for wildfires to burn.

Over the next couple of months, Cal Fire will finish the winter maintenance and safety inspections on the firefighting aircraft and staff them at the department’s airbases and helibases across the state to help assist with this year’s wildfires.

For more information about Cal Fire’s firefighting air program, visit www.fire.ca.gov .

The California Department of Food and Agriculture Feed and Livestock Drugs Inspection Program has reached a settlement with animal feed manufacturer Western Milling LLC involving their manufacturing facility in Goshen, Tulare County.

In September 2015, the facility produced horse feed that was adulterated with Monensin, a livestock drug that when fed to horses is known to be fatal.

The adulterated feed resulted in a number of deaths. In 2016 the same facility improperly mixed the same livestock drug into medicated cattle feed, which contributed to the deaths of several dairy calves.

Per the settlement agreement, Western Milling has discontinued the manufacturing of horse and specialty feeds for species such as rabbits at the Goshen facility.

The firm will implement extensive process improvements and acquire new state-of-the-art equipment for precision mixing and improved documentation, product identification, and traceability in the handling of medicated feeds.

Western Milling will pay a cash fine of $526,500 and is required to implement $200,000 of new equipment at the Goshen facility to ensure that feed safety measures over and above industry standards will be met.

CDFA’s Feed and Livestock Drugs Inspection Program is responsible for the enforcement of the state law and regulations pertinent to the manufacturing, distribution, and labeling of commercial livestock feed in California while preventing adulterated feed from being consumed by livestock.

The program maintains registration of livestock drugs, their proper use and safe handling procedures, and issues Restricted Livestock Drug Licenses to retail stores selling restricted livestock drugs in California.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Division 35 of the California Retired Teachers Association, or CalRTA, will hold its quarterly meeting on Tuesday, May 23, at the Riviera Hills Restaurant, 10200 Fairway Drive, Kelseyville.

The luncheon meeting begins with registration at 9:30 a.m. A business meeting will be called to order at 10 a.m. which will be followed by this month’s program.

The program speaker will be Lloyd Gillespie, Area I Government Relations representative.

Gillespie will report on the recent CalRTA Lobby Day in Washington D.C. He also will provide an update on legislation effecting retired teachers.

This month’s business meeting will feature the installation of newly elected officers.

All CalRTA members are invited to attend as well as recently retired teachers, family members or other interested individuals.

This is an opportunity to learn how the California Retired Teachers Association is working to protect the retirement and pensions of California teachers.

In addition, the Lake County Chapter provides scholarships to students, grants to local teachers and supports education in Lake County in numerous other ways.

At the conclusion of the program lunch will be served.

This month’s menu features Kevin’s Special Spring Chicken, vegetable, salad and dessert.

The cost of lunch is $15 including tax.  

Reservations may be made by calling Julie at 707-279-2625.

Transportation can also be arranged for those in need by contacting Julie at the above number by May 12.

More information on Division 35 can be obtained by visiting http://div35.calrta.org/ .

NORTH COAST, Calif. – Caltrans reports that the following road projects will be taking place around Lake County and the North Coast during the coming week.

Included are Mendocino County projects that may impact Lake County commuters.

LAKE COUNTY

Highway 20

– Curb and sidewalk repairs from Sayer Avenue to Ogden Road will continue. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

Highway 29

– Emergency culvert repairs from Spruce Grove Road to Hofacker Lane will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 175

– Emergency highway repairs from Grouss Springs Road to Emerford Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Emergency highway repairs from east of Forest Lake Road will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

MENDOCINO COUNTY

Highway 1

– AT&T has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility repairs near Pacific Wood Road through Friday, May 5. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 5-minute delays.

– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility repairs from Signal Port Creek Road to Iverson Road beginning Thursday, May 11. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.
 
– Caltrans will perform routine maintenance from Kinney Road to Elk Creek. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Emergency slide removal near Leggett will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 20

– Bridge deck repairs at the East Fork Russian River Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect overnight from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 20-minute delays.

Highway 101

– Routine maintenance near Frog Woman Rock will continue. Northbound traffic will be restricted to one lane 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Emergency slide repairs on the westbound Route 20 to southbound Route 101 connector ramp will continue. Intermittent ramp closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

– Emergency slide removal near Hermitage Vista Point will continue. Northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Emergency slide removal near the Dora Creek Bridge will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 30-minute delays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, and 10-minute delays at other times.

– Emergency slide removal near Piercy will continue. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate minor traffic slowdowns.

– Roadway repairs west of Yorkville will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary traffic signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 162
 
– Emergency storm damage repairs near The Middle Way will continue. One-way traffic control with temporary stop signs will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

– Emergency storm damage repairs near Sand Bank Creek will continue. One-way traffic control with a temporary traffic signal will be in effect 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 175
 
– Emergency storm damage repairs at various locations from Buckman Drive to the Lake/Mendocino County line will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days per week. Motorists should anticipate 30-minute delays.

Highway 222

– PG&E has been granted a Caltrans Encroachment Permit for utility repairs near Burke Road on Monday, May 8. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate five-minute delays.

Highway 253

– Emergency roadway repairs from Booneville to Ukiah will continue. One-way traffic control will be in effect from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays. Motorists should anticipate 10-minute delays.

The Caltrans Traffic Operations Office has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes, unless noted otherwise above.

For information pertaining to emergency roadwork or for updates to scheduled roadwork, please contact the California Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-GAS-ROAD (1-800-427-7623).

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Lake County Fire Protection District Chief Willie Sapeta will be the speaker at the Gibson Museum and Cultural Center’s Fireside Chat on Saturday, May 13.

The chat will begin at 3 p.m. at the museum, 21267 Calistoga St.

Sapeta grew up in Lake County and describes himself as “a Middletown kid.”

For this Saturday afternoon chat, Sapeta will share his adventures in Lake County and how he grew into becoming one of Lake County’s foremost authorities on firefighting and fire prevention.

Gibson's Fireside chats are quite casual and are free of charge.

Seating is limited, so reservations are advised.

Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or call 707-809-8009 Thursday, Friday or Saturday afternoon.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – AAA wants Cinco de Mayo fiesta-goers to celebrate and enjoy the day safely.

To assist, AAA Northern California will offer its Tipsy Tow service free of charge to anybody who feels they’re too impaired to drive.

You do not need to be a AAA Member to take advantage of this free service to the community.

“AAA wants everybody to have fun on Cinco de Mayo, but driving impaired is no fun for anyone. If you need a ride call AAA and we’ll make sure you get home safely,” said John Moreno, spokesperson for AAA Northern California. “AAA’s Tipsy Tow is free to anyone in need. You can’t beat the price.”

AAA’s Tipsy Tow service will start at 6 p.m. Friday, May 5, and will run through 6 a.m. Saturday, March 6.

Drivers, passengers, party hosts, bartenders and/or restaurant managers should:

· Call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) between 6 p.m. May 5 and 6 a.m. May 6.

· State that they need a “Tipsy Tow.”

· Provide the driver’s name, home address, phone number and vehicle/driver location.

The service will provide a one-way ride for drivers and their vehicle to the driver’s home. If there are additional passengers who need a ride, they will be taken to the driver’s home as long as they can be transported safely in the tow truck. Tipsy Tow does not  take reservations.

AAA estimates that a first-time misdemeanor DUI conviction in California can cost approximately $15,649 or more in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and increased insurance costs.

DUI-related costs have risen sharply in recent years largely due to steep increases in fines and insurance for DUI drivers. Of course there is no price tag on a crash that causes an injury or death.