These tools will help released fish survive
Catch-and-release is a common practice. Informed anglers realize that some gamefish are too valuable to be used only once.
But good intentions aside, releasing fish is only effective if they survive the experience. Here’s a look at three aspects of catch-and-release that help anglers minimize the chance of delayed mortality of fish while maximizing cherished memories for the angler.
Just because a fish swims away upon release doesn’t mean it will survive. Studies have shown stress factors related to being caught can result in delayed mortality. One of the major stress factors is in the handling of the fish, and quality nets designed with catch-and-release in mind are kinder to their occupants.For years, I’ve used landing nets with a rubber bag and have had plenty of success. Rubber bags are prone to dry rot, though, so it’s necessary to change them on occasion. The bags also tend to be shallow. It’s possible for a fish to use its tail to catapult itself out of the net.This spring, I’ve used the Frabill Model 3444 net, and I’ve found it to be an excellent product for the catch-and-release angler.The coating on the bag of the net protects the fish while keeping hooks from penetrating it. The small holes minimize the chance of fins being split. Knotless construction results in a smoother surface and is less likely to remove protective slime or otherwise damage the fish.For larger fish, devices that allow the fish to remain in the water while the hooks are removed or cut are best. Oversized nets like Beckman’s Pen Fin Saver Nets are a good option. Another choice when there at least two anglers in the boat is Frabill’s Musky Cradle.
The ability to quickly and efficiently remove hooks also minimizes the stress fish must endure.Long-nosed pliers are a must. Such a tool can be used to reach inside a fish’s mouth to pop a hook free. Pliers will keep your hand away from the lure when you twist a multi-hooked model free.A specialty tool like the Baker Hook Out, a long, slender pliers with exceptional gripping strength, is often a welcome aid in reaching hooks deep inside the mouth.When hooks are buried in a fish, particularly one or more treble hooks, it’s often better to cut them free. This is especially true of large, toothy fish like pikes and muskies. Cutting hooks can be better for the fish and safer for the angler.Good quality cutters of standard size are adequate for hook sizes and thickness commonly used when fishing for bass, walleye, trout and panfish.Bigger fish require stronger hooks. Knipex cutters will cut through muskie-sized hooks with ease. I’ve also used my Knipex to cut the leadhead portion of jigheads free on deeply hooked fish, so the fish didn’t have to ingest the lead and soft-bodied portion of the bait, hopefully increasing its chances of survival.
For many anglers, knowing the length and weight of a fish is important, particularly when the catch could be a personal best for a given species.Stick-on measures are handy items for your boat. There’s no searching when you want to do a quick length measurement. A flexible cloth tape is handy for checking the length of fish when wading or shore fishing. Tournament-style measuring boards like the Golden Rule provide a quick, accurate length.For many anglers, a fish’s weight is more important than its length. Devices like Xtools’ Grip-N-Weigh allow you to secure a fish by gripping its lower jaw and getting a digital weight measurement. This is fine for fish like trout, bass and walleyes. Larger pikes and muskies should not be held vertically, though, as this has been shown to be a harmful way of holding such species.The handling involved with measuring a fish adds stress, tends to remove protective slime and increases the opportunity for it to be dropped. Fish can take more handling when the water is colder, as it is during the spring. As water temperatures increase, it’s wise not to measure fish unnecessarily.Jeff Knapp is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle.
