03-05-2008, 02:54 PM
[cool][#0000ff]There have been LOTS of toothy critters successfully subdued from "floatation" craft...tubes and toons. I know of quite a few Utah tubers who have brought in tigers and northerns without damage to either themselves or their gear. But, as always, you need to be properly prepared to handle them with a good net, lip grippers and pliers to remove hooks.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Actually, the greater problem exists for the fish. For some reason members of the Esox family (pike and muskies) are wimps. They can't withstand too much stress or handling without going belly up. If you plan to release one you need to contol it as quickly as possible, keep it in the water if you can, and get the hook out fast for a successful release.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]On the other hand, if you want to keep a pike for the table, you need to have a big fish basket or else take the fish back to your vehicle and into a cooler. DO NOT tow one around on a stringer. They may not do it on purpose, but all it takes is one chomp on your tube or your anatomy to do a lot of damage.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have never heard of a tube or toon being sunk by a toothy critter. I have known of some to deflate after an encounter with fish spines...especially small catfish. The worst, however, are perch, bluegills and crappies. They are excellent at coming off the hook just as you are llfting them aboard...and just like buttered bread always falls butter side down...spiny fish always fall on your air chambers fins first.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Always be careful, but bad luck can happen.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Actually, the greater problem exists for the fish. For some reason members of the Esox family (pike and muskies) are wimps. They can't withstand too much stress or handling without going belly up. If you plan to release one you need to contol it as quickly as possible, keep it in the water if you can, and get the hook out fast for a successful release.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]On the other hand, if you want to keep a pike for the table, you need to have a big fish basket or else take the fish back to your vehicle and into a cooler. DO NOT tow one around on a stringer. They may not do it on purpose, but all it takes is one chomp on your tube or your anatomy to do a lot of damage.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have never heard of a tube or toon being sunk by a toothy critter. I have known of some to deflate after an encounter with fish spines...especially small catfish. The worst, however, are perch, bluegills and crappies. They are excellent at coming off the hook just as you are llfting them aboard...and just like buttered bread always falls butter side down...spiny fish always fall on your air chambers fins first.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Always be careful, but bad luck can happen.[/#0000ff]
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