Well, you worked hard for it and it finally paid off, you got a good fish on. So at that moment, what is happening in your boat? Is your boat starting to look like a Chinese fire drill, as your fishing partner is literally loosing his cool trying to get the landing net, because you are yelling at him and the net is tangled in the extra rods, or hooked on the seat, or the handle is stuck in the mesh, etc.? You look down and see that the fish is really not hooked that well, and you panic even more! What in the hell is the matter, get the &##&*^#$ net already! At that point your fishing partner starts pulling on the net in a desperate effort to get it free. Don’t worry, that rod tip can be replaced or the net fabric can be replaced, it wasn’t totally cut, as it was yanked free after being stuck on the seat. Finally, the net comes free and the panic continues as he makes a stab at the fish, hitting it squarely in the back with the net (they don’t like that, and either does the guy at the end of the pole). Wow, that net looks way to small to get the fish into it; we never catch anything that big! After a few more “polite” remarks to your partner, he manages to finally get it netted and brought into the boat.
So now the scene is really getting crazy, the adrenalin is pumping, and now you add a flopping fish. You grab the fish and ask for the pliers, typically which aren't readily available. Then a few minutes later, you need the jaw spreaders, and finally the hook cutters all of which had to be looked for at the bottom of the tacklebox or were not even on board. If they were available, they probably were tangled up with other stuff. Meanwhile the fish's eyes are glazing over, and the operation continues. Finally, the fish is free, but we are not done, as pictures are required. Where is the camera? Which one? The .35mm or the Polaroid? Both! Where are they? In the side gunnel, no in the fishing bag, under the seat, I think. I got it, but I don’t how use it. Meanwhile, the fish is flipping around and lands on the deck, TWICE!! Hold it up again, how do I zoom? Where is the shutter? Got it. Then the story continues with the Polaroid, as your partner doesn’t know this camera either. The pictures are now complete, and it is time to release the fish, so over the side it goes. You hang on to the tail and swoosh the fish around. It wasn’t really bleeding that bad, and that fall didn't look like it damaged it. You even got it back into the water in less than 10 minutes. The fish just keeps wanting to roll-over belly up in the water, but you believe you saw a gill plate move so you let go, and the fish sinks. You announce, I think it will be OK, as joy of the moment washes over you.
Everybody that is reading this can identify with it. We have all been there, and done that, so I don’t think I am picking on anyone. Writing is at its best when your experienced on the subject material, so I probably portrayed the situation pretty well. Through experience and education, things do get better. The only problem is when we do not learn from our mistakes or believe we know it all already.
This story begins way before the boat ever hits the water. Preparation and familiarity go a long way in making fishing more efficient and safer for both the fisherman and the fish. For openers, make sure that you have all the tools that you’ll need when fishing. These tools should include but not be limited to the following:
· Two landing nets – one for small fish, and a very large one (or fish cradle) should you be fishing for fish where a large specimen is possible.
· Jaw spreaders for holding open a fishes mouth to get the hooks out.
· Hook extractor (long pliers) for getting the hooks out.
· Bolt cutter or high leverage cutters for cutting hooks off.
· Heavy leather glove or special fishing glove.
These tools should be put in the boat where they are easily accessible; furthermore, everyone should be aware of where they are located.
Prior to going out, everyone should be familiar with where the cameras are kept in the boat, and the operation of these cameras. Also, make sure the cameras have film already in place and are ready to take pictures. Once you are on the water, landing nets should be taken-out and setup for immediate use. There should never be an instance where a landing net is stored away in a fishing situation.
When somebody gets a fish on, the other person just needs to get the appropriate net for the job. Don’t try landing a large fish in a small net or small fish in a big net. When the fish is in the landing net, DON’T TAKE the fish into the boat if it is going to be released. Large bag nets are absolutely essential when dealing with large fish. Leave the net in the water obviously keeping the edges above the surface. Take a deep breath and compose yourself, the fish will normally be fine if it is left in the water. Get the tools your going to need to free the fish as quickly as possible, and put on the glove as mentioned above. The glove adds protection should a hook or tooth accidentally make contact with your favorite person (you). Also, get the cameras set out that you are going to use, before even starting with the fish. My wife has taken some great pictures as I am unhooking the fish as well as the release itself so having the camera out before hand offers other benefits.emove the hooks from the fish while it is still in the net and most importantly while it is still in the water. Don’t spend a great deal of time trying to get a deeply hooked fish or a hook that is in a bad area such as in or near the eye or in a fishes gill out using pliers. You’ll be much better off cutting these hooks with your cutters. Having to put new hooks on your lure is a cheap price to pay for not killing a beautiful fish. (Note, take that into consideration when purchasing lures, as to whether you can replace hooks!). I typically will unsnap my leader from the lure as the first step. The less stuff in the way, the better off you are. The unhooking process should at most take two minutes. If it does not, then you might want to re-evaluate what you are doing. Once the fish is free, and still in the water and net, set your tools off to the side, and get ready for the formal picture taking. Leave the fish in the net and water while you are doing this. It isn’t going anywhere and it can actually help the fish. Once ready for the picture, do it quickly and smoothly. Get a firm grip on the jaw of the fish (See how to lift and hold your catch) with the gloved hand, raise it and then support its belly with the other hand. This makes for a steady hold, and causes less injury to the fish. Take the pictures quickly and then carefully lower the fish into the water for the release. Hold the tail of the fish and let the fish regain its composure. If you do as I stated in the “correct way”, the fish will not want to be held long. If the fish is able to stay upright it will only be a matter of time before it is able to be fully functional, so you can actually let go at that point. I will typically watch the fish even if I have let the fish go, to ensure it will swim away. The fish doesn’t need to create a huge splash and dash madly away to be released. As I said, many times they will just casually swim away.
There is a great feeling when you have caught a fine fish, and it makes even better when you KNOW instead of hope, that the fish is fine.
Click the mailbox to e-mail. Last updated on ... March 20, 2002