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Welcome to CALTROUT - HookOff.com
  We are very pleased to be allowed the opportunity to support California Trout and our specific new project… The New Lake Tahoe/Truckee Program. One half of the sale proceeds received from your HookOff™ purchase will be directed to Cal Trout for this all important project. (Click here to learn more.)
Our common mission is to save our fish. Quickly releasing fish, with the least amount of handling, is one of the most direct ways we all can contribute to this focus.
One of the primary reasons fish that are caught and released may die is stress. Stress results from the fish fighting after being hooked and is increased by 1) removing the fish from the water which terminates their oxygen supply and, 2) handling them during the releasing process. Internally, the physical exertion causes an oxygen deficit in the tissues, forcing the muscles to function anaerobically (without oxygen). This causes lactic acid to build up in the muscle tissue, and then to diffuse into the blood. Lactic acid acts as an acid in the blood, causing the pH of the blood to drop. Even slight changes in pH can cause major disruptions of the metabolic processes, ultimately killing the fish. If the fish is kept in the water, quickly released with a minimum amount of handling, its blood pH usually returns to normal and the fish will be unaffected. In addition, the skin surface of the fish is coated with mucous – commonly called slime layers. If the angler handles the fish, these layers may be partially removed, presenting an opportunity for bacteria or pathogens to invade the skin.
HookOff™ was designed to be the easiest, quickest, most effective and sensitive technique of releasing… without handling the fish or removing it from the water.
A new fish hook remover system, developed by anglers for anglers, who are environmentally sensitive and practice "catch and release" fishing.
FEATURES:
- Patented stainless steel flange that guides the release loop to the shank of the hook.
- Light weight cork handle that floats the HookOff™ system, should it be dropped into the water.
- Attached metal safety whistle that allows the angler to seek help, assistance or simply to announce "fish on" to his/her companions.
- "Bull Dog" clip that secures the HookOff™ system to any convenient location (vest, lanyard, or shirt) for quick and easy access.
- HookOff ™ will not damage your fly.
- Also works effectively with net.
- Conveniently holds fly and leader after the fish is release.
EASY TO USE:
- Control fishing leader/line with one hand.
- Insert leader into Hookoff™ Loop.
- Keeping the leader taut - slide HookOff™ down leader, over the fly to the shank of the hook.
- Keeping leader parallel to the water, lift HookOff™ slightly to release the fish.
Now we ask for your help.
First, try one. We have priced them reasonably enough at $9.95 that everyone can afford this opportunity to engage in the pleasure of releasing fish. Maybe even buy one for a friend. Save your receipt and remember that one half of this cost will be directed to Cal Trout to support their program. Most important…the fish need our help.
Second, tell a friend and/or an organization you may belong to about HookOff™ and refer them here or to Cal Trout's Home Page. The more fish we save the better.
Thank you all for your support…and a big thanks to California Trout, Keeper of the Streams.
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TESTIMONIALS |
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"How can something so simple work so well…I love it."
Joseph Chait, White Hawk, CA
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More About the Project
Protecting California's Priority Wild Trout Habitats:
Lake Tahoe Program
- Program Description
The Lake Tahoe/Truckee field office will be the instrumental component of CalTrout's Lake Tahoe Campaign. This campaign will establish permanently California Trout in the Tahoe region to pursue the protection of its key river systems and wild and native trout species. These waters include the Truckee River, Little Truckee River, East and West Carson Rivers, Sagehen Creek, Squaw Creek, Prosser Creek, Martis Lake, Martis Creek, Heenan Lake and the tributaries of Lake Tahoe. Each of these waters provide unique habitat for a variety of native trout species, including Lahontan and Paiute cutthroat trout and rainbow trout as well as wild trout species, including brown, brook, and lake trout.
By supporting CalTrout's Lake Tahoe Campaign, you will be supporting California Trout's targeted efforts to establish and maintain on-the-ground watershed restoration efforts and an advocacy presence to ensure local, state, and federal protection for the unique and important natural resources of the Lake Tahoe region.
- The Problems Addressed and the Need for CalTrout's Presence in Lake Tahoe
California's Unique Trout Diversity
California has the greatest diversity of trout and steelhead resources in the nation - eleven species, including steelhead, cutthroat, rainbow, and golden trout. No other state has more than five. California also supports a variety of non-native wild trout, such as the brook and brown trout that are now an integral part of the state's aquatic ecosystems.
California's trout are a key component of California's economy, providing approximately $3 billion annually in tourism and recreation dollars. Wild trout and steelhead are also important indicators of the health of California's watersheds. If California's wild trout are suffering, then California's watersheds and wild areas are suffering.
Wild Trout in Peril
Despite their intrinsic value, the state's wild trout are becoming increasingly imperiled. California currently leads the nation in the number of jeopardized aquatic species and many of the state's native trout species are threatened or endangered. Steelhead populations have dwindled to thirteen percent of their historic levels. The last California bull trout was caught in 1976, Lahontan cutthroats have disappeared from the main stem of the Truckee River, and California's state fish, and the California golden trout is threatened in its natal waters.
And the challenges are growing. California's trout are increasingly falling victim to habitat degradation, invasions of non-native species, water diversions, pollution, and other limiting factors. As 2002 ended, the largest adult fish kill in U.S. history occurred on the Klamath River, punctuating the already dire state of California's coldwater fish species.
Working toward a Solution
Throughout its history California Trout has worked to reverse the disturbing trend that has seen California's wild trout populations decline and severe aquatic habitat degradation. In 2001 and 2002, CalTrout rigorously analyzed the underlying causes and symptoms of wild trout and steelhead declines, as well as the relevant contexts that influence efforts to protect and restore them. By doing so, CalTrout identified three overarching long-range goals for the next twenty years that, if achieved, will provide the state's wild trout and steelhead with the best opportunity to stabilize and, ultimately, to recover. These goals are:
Goal 1: Protect and Restore Priority "Pockets" (or Regions) of Wild Trout and Steelhead
Goal 2: Protect and Restore Water Flows for Wild Trout and Steelhead
Goal 3: Ensure Effective State Wild Trout and Steelhead Management
These goals are interrelated in many ways and each is a critical component of protecting California's wild trout resource and the habitats that support them. For the purposes of this proposal, it is necessary to describe the first goal, Protecting and Restoring Priority Pockets, in more detail.
Protecting and Restoring Priority "Pockets" of Wild Trout and Steelhead
Less than one hundred years ago, California's diverse landscape was connected by healthy ribbons of water - rivers that flowed naturally from the high Sierra through the arid Central Valley to the Pacific Ocean. These rivers supported the proliferation of our wild trout and steelhead.
Today, California's wild trout and steelhead habitats are fragmented and degraded. Once-connected ribbons of water are now discrete, vulnerable habitat areas or 'pockets' , such as the Eastern Sierra, the North East, and the Tahoe regions. These fragile ecosystems are highly vulnerable to further degradation.
CalTrout recognizes that the state's remaining pockets are the last vestiges of wild trout and steelhead habitat. Without protection and restoration, these habitats will become further degraded and will, ultimately, be unable to support remaining fish populations. Guided by its three long range goals, CalTrout will systematically secure permanent protection for priority watersheds in these geographic areas of California:
- The North Coast *
- The South Coast *
- The North East *
- The Eastern Sierra *
- The Tahoe Region
* Indicates existing California Trout field office
Description of Geographic Area and Target Population to be Served
CalTrout has a strong history of effective regional conservation management in the North Coast, the North East, and the South Coast and in 2004 established its Eastern Sierra field office. Each of these field offices is managed by a full-time staff person and collectively CalTrout's field staff is one of the most experienced and productive regional conservation teams in the country.
California Trout plans to replicate the regional conservation model it has successfully established in other parts of the state in the Lake Tahoe region. The organization seeks to establish a permanent field office and conservation manager in this region at the beginning of 2007. The conservation manager would spearhead vital protections for the Lake Tahoe/Truckee area and provide a foundation for short- and long-term conservation efforts on behalf of Lake Tahoe's outstanding wild trout and watershed resources.
From a geographic standpoint, the Lake Tahoe/Truckee Pocket comprises an area that is bounded by the upper Feather River system to the north, the Carson drainage to the south, the Nevada border to the east and the major Lake Tahoe tributaries to the west. The priority waters in this region include the Truckee River, East and West Carson Rivers, Sagehen Creek, Prosser Creek, Martis Lake, the tributaries of Lake Tahoe and many others. Each of these waters provides unique habitat for a variety of native trout species, including Lahontan and Paiute cutthroat trout and rainbow trout as well as wild trout species, including brown, brook, and lake trout.
- Program Goals and Objectives to be Achieved
Despite the absence of a field office or conservation manager in the Tahoe region, California Trout has provided support for regional wild and native trout issues over the last several years, such as Lahontan cutthroat trout reintroduction to portions of the Truckee River system, restoration of Paiute cutthroat trout to its native waters in Silver King Creek, and protection of wilderness areas in priority watersheds.
Additionally, CalTrout has begun initial scoping of the Tahoe region through meetings with local stakeholders. These stakeholders have included members of the Truckee Town Council, local fishing guides, and local river and wild trout advocates.
CalTrout's preliminary scoping has identified the following factors that could be areas of focus for the Tahoe regional program:
- Commercial development and its adverse impacts on the Martis Valley watershed, including Martis Creek and Martis Lake and on tributaries to Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River.
- Reintroduction of Lahontan cutthroat trout to the Truckee River system, including its tributaries and the main stem of the Truckee River.
- The impacts of recreational fishing on spawning trout in tributaries of Lake Tahoe and in tributaries of the Truckee River.
- Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) impacts (mainly sediment intrusion) to the East Fork of the Carson and tributaries to the Rubicon, North Fork American, and North Fork Yuba.
- Protection and restoration of the native Paiute cutthroat trout in Silver King Creek.
- Ensuring healthy water flow patterns to the Upper Truckee River and main stem Truckee River from dam operations in the river system.
- Solidifying federal and state wilderness and wild and scenic river protections to priority reaches of regional watersheds.
- Ensuring use of water conservation measures in Lake Tahoe and Nevada to limit water flow impacts from irrigation and dam operations throughout the region.
- Specific Activities and Timeline to Achieve the Program Goals and Objectives
California Trout plans to open the Lake Tahoe field office in 2007. Throughout 2006 and leading up to the establishment of the field office in the Lake Tahoe/Truckee Pocket, the CalTrout staff will continue scoping the problems affecting the area's wild trout resources and assess the 'limiting factors' that have been identified in the preliminary research (including the factors listed above).
Given the large scope of conservation challenges and opportunities that exist in the Tahoe region, CalTrout will analyze both quantitative and qualitative watershed data and an assortment of other elements before formulating a work plan for the area. The following metrics will be used to assess and prioritize the conservation activities conducted by the Tahoe/Truckee conservation manager:
- Presence or absence of native trout
- Presence or absence of wild trout ('wild' meaning spawning and rearing in the habitat, but not originally endemic to the area)
- Quality and quantity of instream water flows
- Quality of aquatic and riparian habitat
- Presence of a wilderness or roadless area
- Urgency for conservation activity or intervention
- Likely near-term impact of conservation activity or intervention
- Likely long-term impact of conservation activity or intervention
- Potential cost-effectiveness of conservation activity or intervention
- Total cost of conservation activity or intervention
- Marketability and potential to raise funds to support conservation activity or intervention
- Opportunity to effectively collaborate with others on conservation activity or intervention
Following the identification and ranking of conservation priorities, the Tahoe conservation manager will work with the CalTrout's Executive Director and Conservation Committee to determine which conservation activities and interventions will be executed in the near-term versus the long-term. These priorities will be incorporated into CalTrout's current three-year strategic plan. On an annual basis, the Tahoe conservation manager will develop an annual 'work plan' that outlines annual objectives, tasks, and deliverables for each conservation activity, project or intervention. This work plan will join the work plans of other conservation managers to comprise CalTrout's annual projects for the entire state.
In nearly all cases, conservation activities, projects and interventions are managed and conducted by CalTrout field managers and fall into one or a combination of the following categories:
- Legislative Advocacy: Support for and/or development and championing of legislation at the state or federal level.
- Example (Eastern Sierra Pocket): advocating for a newly designated 'Wild and Scenic River' at the state or federal level; this designation prevents all future development or impact from development on a river stretch (currently underway on the Upper Owens River in the eastern Sierra).
- Administrative Advocacy: Support for or development and championing of agency or department level policies or policy changes; or advocacy for state or federal level annual budget allocations.
- Example (Statewide): advocating for fishing regulations that limit impact on spawning populations of wild and native trout. This action has been successfully achieved on many rivers across the state, including passage of no-take regulations on wild steelhead for the Trinity River.
- Legal Action: Hiring and management of legal consultants to conduct administrative legal action or litigation in opposition to private or public impact on a river system or trout or steelhead species.
- Example (Eastern Sierra Pocket): filing lawsuits against dam operators who do not provide enough water below a dam to keep trout in 'good condition', as required by Fish and Game code 5937 (CalTrout sued under this code in the 1990's and forced a ruling that mandated the return of water to Mono Lake and its tributaries).
- Direct Restoration: acting directly on the resource area itself or the surrounding watershed by way of physical refurbishing of previously degraded waterways, riparian areas, and landscapes.
- Example (North East Pocket): Stabilization of eroded streambanks through replanting of riparian vegetation. CalTrout conducted restoration of the stream banks along Hat Creek in northern California during 2004; streambanks had previously been denuded by burrowing of non-native muskrats.
- Acquisition of Land: working with partners to identify, find funding for, and acquire important lands within a watershed to protect it from on-site development or natural resource extraction.
- Example (North Coast Pocket): advocating for allocation of federal funds to acquire land within a watershed that will then be transferred to a protected area (currently underway on the Goose Creek tributary of the Smith River in northern California).
- Building the Capacity of Others: Identifying within a pocket area, citizens groups, youth groups, or individuals who can and will work to protect and restore rivers in support of CalTrout's annual work plan objectives; also participating in state and local decision-making bodies that provide funding for citizen action in stream restoration.
- Example (South Coast Pocket): establishing coalitions of local groups to advocate for and act on river and fishery restoration and protection. CalTrout founded the Southern California Steelhead Coalition - a group that collectively represents over 250,000 Californians - to help protect the endangered southern California steelhead.
- Measurable Objectives to Evaluate Program Results
For 2006, the objectives of this program are as follows:
- Conduct at least four (4) site visits to the Lake Tahoe/Truckee region to further scoping the conservation issues and opportunities in the area and for on-the-ground tours of priority watershed areas. Use these visits to also identify potential field office sites.
- Hold at least four (4) stakeholder meetings in CalTrout's San Francisco office and in the Tahoe area with Lake Tahoe/Truckee stakeholders. These meetings will be in cooperation with potential partner organizations, with local, regional, and state government officials, and with scientists involved in the region, such as University of California at Davis fisheries and watershed experts.
- Assess the resources required for successful operation of a Tahoe/Truckee program. Use this assessment to establish the priorities and strategies for the Lake Tahoe Pocket and to establish the conservation activities that will be conducted by the conservation manager.
- Support the organization's ongoing conservation project work in the Tahoe region specifically the cooperative work with partner organization Trout Unlimited on Paiute cutthroat trout protection and restoration in Silver King Creek.
- Pursue additional funding sources, including meetings with individual donors and additional grant submission, for the permanent establishment of the Lake Tahoe/Truckee field office.
- Recruit the Lake Tahoe/Truckee conservation manager through a candidate search and interview and hiring process.
For 2007 and 2008, many of the measurable objectives of the program will depend largely on the overall Lake Tahoe/Truckee Pocket program and the conservation activities that CalTrout subsequently initiates and supports. See previous section, Specific Activities and Timeline to Achieve the Program Goals and Objectives, for examples of potential conservation objectives and Program Goals and Objectives to be Achieved for potential conservation challenges and opportunities in the Tahoe region.
- Personnel Information
Brian Stranko, CalTrout's Executive Director, will work in conjunction with California Trout's conservation staff to conduct scoping, resource assessment, project prioritization and strategic planning for the Tahoe region. Additionally, Stranko and members of CalTrout's conservation and headquarters staff will participate in stakeholder meetings and conservation tours. David Finkel, CalTrout's Development Director, will work with Stranko and CalTrout's Development Committee to achieve the overall funding goals for the Tahoe field office. Brian Stranko will recruit the Lake Tahoe/Truckee conservation manager through a thorough search and interview process.
- Organizational Information
California Trout (CalTrout) was formed in 1971 by a group of anglers concerned by a dramatic drop in the state's wild trout and steelhead populations. At its inception, CalTrout was the first statewide conservation organization dedicated to coldwater fisheries, with approximately 600 members in its first year of operation. Originally staffed by a few volunteers from a central office in San Francisco, CalTrout has since added four regional offices located in the North East (Mt. Shasta), Eastern Sierra, North Coast, and South Coast regions of California. In addition, CalTrout has 6,000 active members, a full time staff of eleven, and an annual budget of approximately $1.8 million with which to pursue its mission: to protect and restore wild trout and steelhead and their waters throughout California. California Trout's Board of Directors is comprised of fifteen members throughout the state.
CalTrout has a proven track record of success in conservation even amid some of the most complex and contentious resource challenges in the state. These include:
- Securing water flows for Mono Lake and its four main wild trout tributaries;
- Establishing a long-term restoration project for California's state fish, the California golden trout;
- Returning much-needed flows to the Santa Ana River, a vital endangered southern California steelhead water, after 103 years of dewatering;
- Restoring Lake Merced, once considered the finest urban fishery in the nation; and
- Protecting nearly the entire riparian area of the Smith River, one of only two major undammed rivers in the state, through federal wilderness designation.
- California Trout Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
Brian Stranko, Executive Director
David Finkel, Development Director
California Trout
870 Market Street Suite 528
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-392-8887
Fax: 415-392-8895
Website: www.caltrout.org
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