04-17-2007, 12:12 PM
In the summer when the surface water is in the high 60's and low 70's, those fish go into shock when pulled from 45 degree water into the hot stuff. Speed is the key then. Get 'em up, get 'em off, and get 'em back as fast as possible. I have some every year that, for some reason (?), don't release the air and are bloated. I gently squeeze their bellies from their butt forward, and usually can hear and feel the air come out their throats. Squeezing isn't good for any fish as it can damage internal organs, but they sure won't make it if they're stuck on the surface of that hot water for more than a few minutes. You do whatever is necessary for them to get back down to the cold water. In winter or early spring, I'll just let them swim on the surface (as long as they are swimming and not floating belly-up) until they get their equilibrium.
I've heard of guys attaching the fish to their downrigger with a peice of very light line or something, then lowering the fish down and releasing them that way. I've personally never tried it. Anoyne out there done that?
I'll be the first to admit that not all the fish I release make it. But I sure give every one a chance. Another thing about reviving a tired fish: The best way is to tow the fish in the water, NOT hold them and move them back and forth. The water needs to flow through the gills from front to back. Moving the fish back and forth does little, and takes more time. What I do is put my lip gripper on the fish's lower jaw when the fish is in the water, and move the boat forward with my electric until the fish tells me its ready to go. It usually only takes 10-30 seconds, and as the fish moves its tail to swim, I release the grip and off it goes, kicking all the way.
And while were on the subject of exhausted fish, Please don't try to be a hot-shot and use light line. Catching a large lake trout with 6 or 8 pound line IS NOT being a hot-shot sportsman. Its stupid, because it takes too long to land the fish, and lactic acid levels get toxic in the fish. Use heavy enough gear to land 'em as quick as you can. In my experience, there isn't a fish in that lake that can't be landed in 15 minutes or less with 12-15 pound line. (remember, a 40 pound lake trout only weighs a few pounds in the water) If it's taking longer than that, you're not putting enough pressure on them. Get 'em in, get 'em off, and get 'em back to the cold water.
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I've heard of guys attaching the fish to their downrigger with a peice of very light line or something, then lowering the fish down and releasing them that way. I've personally never tried it. Anoyne out there done that?
I'll be the first to admit that not all the fish I release make it. But I sure give every one a chance. Another thing about reviving a tired fish: The best way is to tow the fish in the water, NOT hold them and move them back and forth. The water needs to flow through the gills from front to back. Moving the fish back and forth does little, and takes more time. What I do is put my lip gripper on the fish's lower jaw when the fish is in the water, and move the boat forward with my electric until the fish tells me its ready to go. It usually only takes 10-30 seconds, and as the fish moves its tail to swim, I release the grip and off it goes, kicking all the way.
And while were on the subject of exhausted fish, Please don't try to be a hot-shot and use light line. Catching a large lake trout with 6 or 8 pound line IS NOT being a hot-shot sportsman. Its stupid, because it takes too long to land the fish, and lactic acid levels get toxic in the fish. Use heavy enough gear to land 'em as quick as you can. In my experience, there isn't a fish in that lake that can't be landed in 15 minutes or less with 12-15 pound line. (remember, a 40 pound lake trout only weighs a few pounds in the water) If it's taking longer than that, you're not putting enough pressure on them. Get 'em in, get 'em off, and get 'em back to the cold water.
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