02-23-2014, 03:26 PM
Great advice and something we should all keep in mind every time we are on the water. Poor handling prior to the release results in the same outcome as throwing this wonderful resource in the garbage bin.
Thanks for reminding us of our responsibility as anglers to treat the fish we catch with respect. If we are releasing them, do it rapidly using the proper techniques listed above.
On the salt water we don't pull the fish into the boat, unless it is a tuna or some other specie that we are keeping to eat. The wireman or the mate brings the fish along side to boat, the hook is removed and the fish is released. Pictures are of the fish swimming along side of the boat. Giant marlin in the 1,000 pound range and other pelagic species are released routinely. Todays anglers recognize the importance of these giants to the fishery and elect to release them over a picture of a dead fish on the dock to demonstrate their prowess with rod and reel. That mentality should be considered in freshwater as well.
If we are keeping the fish for the table...Dispatch them immediately, remove the entrails and get them cooled or iced as soon as possible. They will be much better table fare than if they lay on the bottom of the boat or attached to a stringer floating in lake water.
I have been a fisherman for over 60 years and much of that time I have been a professional fisherman. I have, and my clients and guests, caught thousand and thousands of fish. Many died after release and many ended up freezer burned and discarded. Times and attitudes are changing. Replaca mounts are now equal or better than skin mounts if you want something for the wall. Many organizations like PETA are against sport fishing and the release of fish. Fishing for food is acceptable to them......sportfishing is not.
If we want this great outdoor activity to survive in a changing world, we need to heed the advice of not-a-purist and treat the fish we catch with respect.
Thanks for reminding us of our responsibility as anglers to treat the fish we catch with respect. If we are releasing them, do it rapidly using the proper techniques listed above.
On the salt water we don't pull the fish into the boat, unless it is a tuna or some other specie that we are keeping to eat. The wireman or the mate brings the fish along side to boat, the hook is removed and the fish is released. Pictures are of the fish swimming along side of the boat. Giant marlin in the 1,000 pound range and other pelagic species are released routinely. Todays anglers recognize the importance of these giants to the fishery and elect to release them over a picture of a dead fish on the dock to demonstrate their prowess with rod and reel. That mentality should be considered in freshwater as well.
If we are keeping the fish for the table...Dispatch them immediately, remove the entrails and get them cooled or iced as soon as possible. They will be much better table fare than if they lay on the bottom of the boat or attached to a stringer floating in lake water.
I have been a fisherman for over 60 years and much of that time I have been a professional fisherman. I have, and my clients and guests, caught thousand and thousands of fish. Many died after release and many ended up freezer burned and discarded. Times and attitudes are changing. Replaca mounts are now equal or better than skin mounts if you want something for the wall. Many organizations like PETA are against sport fishing and the release of fish. Fishing for food is acceptable to them......sportfishing is not.
If we want this great outdoor activity to survive in a changing world, we need to heed the advice of not-a-purist and treat the fish we catch with respect.