Great discussion, Fichy, HT, et al!  Bravo!  This is what makes this board worthwhile!
 
L13

I agree, just because you do not do what is "politically correct"  does not make it wrong.   As long as YOU are satisfied on how you are fishing do your thing man.   I C and D a few times last year in really fast water.   I try to stay in the limits of weight in the Zones, but a few times  on the river I have added more weight than probably necessary when I  get frustrated and am having trouble getting my offering down.    I still consider myself a novice and sometimes I try to make up for lack of skill  with use of equipment. I also know that sometimes through lack of technique I may have too much belly or other things.    I am satisfied with my intent though.  

I guess the question may be what is considered fishing ?
we answered the weight per regs and I think fairly well..
 
So here is a fishing story:
On the Ausable and other adk rivers I use Rapalas often.. If I cast and retrieve, be it steady or a stop and go I can catch a fish or two.. I will watch many follow and swim away..
If I "rip and jerk " the lure rapidly making it very erratic ( Instant ticket on the SR ) I will catch MANY more fish.. I will watch them swipe and attack the lure..
Same goes for lakers on Ice from 120' deep up to the hole..
 
So the story goes, follow the regs but always keep fishing
 
 

One of my favorite flies for trout particularly after a rain has stained the water is a muddler or marabou muddler minnow.  Jarring takes as you strip, strip, wiggle, pause through a hole or riffle.  Too bad that technique is prohibited on the SR and other Lake O tributaries.  I've taken trout from my finger tips past my elbow in the Dacks and out at the Henryville Fly Fishing Club in Pennsyltuckey with that method.  

YEA- it gets dicey fishing  down stream in Spring for Steel in deep bankside runs or around snags on the SR . Like the man  says - as long as YOU know your not snagging. I generally try not to lift my tip and draw some line by hand so as to keep it VERY limited when adding some action.
 Would like to think any L/E watching would pickup on the fishing as opposed to a snagging attempt.

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