Releasing fish.

ApS · 01-19-2010, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonas Pilot

... that is the reason I started this thread. With proper care the vast majority of released fish should survive.

As an aquarist, I think it's best that releasable fish are not handled at all. With a hooked fish held just above the water, I use a standard Leatherman to grasp the hook's shank.

Keeping in mind that the barb has to leave the fine bones of the mouth undamaged, a small circular flip-action of the wrist will release the fish back to the water. He'll be off in a flash, having spent only seconds out of his element.

The technique works with treble hooks also.

I've had lots of practice, as I've never caught a big fish.

TOAD · 01-20-2010, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

I've had lots of practice, as I've never caught a big fish.

It would appear that you are too honest a man to be a good fisherman and catcher of lunkers!

rider · 01-22-2010, 03:45 PM

I swap out the treble hooks for single hooks on all my lures, less snags and I've never missed a strike either.

NBR · 02-18-2010, 04:46 PM

I'm with Toad on this one. Barbless or pinched down barbs and using a rubber net are good starts. Hooks take an incredibly lomg time to rust out particuarly in fresh water. There is a gadget if I remember right called a
"Bar-Bit" that will cut the hook in two and it has a magnet to pull out the pieces. Also In-Fishernman magazine has a hook removal system that works well.

Circle hooks work almost 100% of the time. They are great with live bait and do well with some artificial baits. I use them with some plastic worm and lizard applications. In cases where you can use circle hooks the only drawback I have found is remembering that you have a circle hook on the line and not to set the hook but just tighten up on the line.

ApS · 02-18-2010, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOAD

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

Quote:

I've had lots of practice, as I've never caught a big fish.

It would appear that you are too honest a man to be a good fisherman and catcher of lunkers!

You should've seen the ones that got away!

01-22-2010, 03:45 PM	#3
rider Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 51 Thanks: 2 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	swap out the hooks I swap out the treble hooks for single hooks on all my lures, less snags and I've never missed a strike either.

02-18-2010, 04:46 PM	#4
NBR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bristol Posts: 119 Thanks: 0 Thanked 19 Times in 15 Posts	I'm with Toad on this one. Barbless or pinched down barbs and using a rubber net are good starts. Hooks take an incredibly lomg time to rust out particuarly in fresh water. There is a gadget if I remember right called a "Bar-Bit" that will cut the hook in two and it has a magnet to pull out the pieces. Also In-Fishernman magazine has a hook removal system that works well. Circle hooks work almost 100% of the time. They are great with live bait and do well with some artificial baits. I use them with some plastic worm and lizard applications. In cases where you can use circle hooks the only drawback I have found is remembering that you have a circle hook on the line and not to set the hook but just tighten up on the line.