Only pick them up by the eyes if you plan on eating them. The DEC has a little article about the vertical thing. It can damage their spines and internal organs.
I hear you Rich. I'm wondering if they do not want to tell us the truth about the bait situation so they do not have to hire more people and spend the $$$ to stock more fish. They are a government agency. We all know how honest our government is.........
What ever it is, it is not good. Can't we ever get a year where one species does not have an issue? VHS, Stocking issues, Hatchery issues, ect. We cant catch a break!
Don't listen to the two old guys above! Buy more stuff! I like the Daiwa Sealine 27 lcs or Saltist 20's on Daiwa Heartland 7'6 medium action rods for brown set ups. Browns are not much fun on Salmon gear.
Another way too look at is are you ever going to get better fishing at the same level? Learning by competing against a higher level of competition will make you think outside of your comfort zone and keep you on your toes. You will learn a lot more and become a better fishermen.