releasing fish
 

this is not going to be one of those arguments over keeping or releasing legal fish! I wish more people would release big fish but within regulations it's their prerogative.

I just want to put this up for the people who intend on releasing big fish. I've seen or heard of a few failed releases; people wanting to release big fish but failing. And i think the number one reason this is happening is this:

If the fight lasts long (light tackle, large fish, etc.) and you get it to the boat or shore and get the net around it....DO NOT IMMEDIATELY LIFT THE FISH OUT OF THE WATER.

Leave it in the net, unhook it in the water if possible. let it revive right away after the fight rather than pulling it out for a picture or measure and then trying to revive it after it's too late. as it sits in the net get you measuring tape pulled out and the camera ready.

give it a minute or so and then pull it out of the water and snap a few pics and the fish will honestly be out of the water for maybe a total of 20-30 seconds after it has revived already vs. 1-2 minutes immediately after it has already been spent by a long fight.

I know it's not exactly the same but think of it this way...if you just sprinted 100 yards would you want me to put a bag over your head immediately or would you rather me give you a couple of minutes to get your breath back before i put a bag over your head? haha.

Re: releasing fish
 

Also pinch down the barbs on your hooks.

Re: releasing fish
 

that's why a fillet mine first.never have to worry about things like that.........
just kidding!!!!! makes good sense to take care of the fish so it can be released in good shape.

Re: releasing fish
 

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Very interesting. I'll give this a chance if I should ever catch a big fish. :D

I'm usually so excited to get the fish out of the water that I never considered giving the fish a chance to recover from the fight before lifting her out of the water.

As I mentioned in another post, I'm getting into pinching down my barbs. I've found it does a lot less damage to the fish when you slide the smooth hook out without having to rip a barb back through the flesh. This is especially true when a fish is hooked deep in its mouth near it's gills and pharynx.


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Re: releasing fish
 

I always get some funny looks walking along the Passaic with my big landing net, but this is exactly why I do it. It makes the fish easier to land in some places where the banks get steep, and I like leaving the fish in the water without having to worry about him while I get my phone and release tools ready for pictures :)

I'm not too sure where it originally came from, but I think you guys might enjoy this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UE6GrJr6oVg

Re: releasing fish
 

Great post and just in time for any upcoming esox contests!!!!

Just yesterday I saw the exact opposite of what Cris is saying.
HAVE PROPER TOOLS WHEN FISHING FOR BIG FISH!!

DON'T BE A PUSS IF YOU HAVE TO GET YOUR HANDS OR WHOLE BODY DIRTY!!

DON'T USE CHEAP FLUOROCARBON...USE STRONG STEEL LEADERS!!

DON'T CAST ANYWHERE YOU CAN'T LAND A BIG FISH...YOU LOSE A LURE & A FISH, THE FISH LOSES IT'S LIFE!!

Great points on the reviving of fish as well Cris, especially as the temps start escalating. Much more of a successful release if we take our time and apply all these things. I'm sure buzz can add some helpful tips as well.:)

Re: releasing fish
 

I went to a small landing net, works like a charm ! Not only is it better and easier for landing a fish, but it makes it a whole lot easier to take pics too.
Lost lots of nets going through the woods. This time I drilled holes in the wood and did a double lanyard.

Re: releasing fish
 

Perfect analogy.....

I began to use your net/rest method on any fish that is picture worthy or that has gotten the lure deep and is going to require extensive surgery (especially those pickerel)

Re: releasing fish
 

The failed releases happen because evreyone thinks they got a state record!!! If your gonna be out fishin for slobs u should have digital scale and a tape measure its not that hard. The lazy thing to do is just kill it and then weigh it in to find out its not as big as u think!

Re: releasing fish
 

In the fall, I saw 2 young guys on Monksville get a decent muskie. They did it PERFECTLY as you state above. First they we're hooting and hollering as the one guy netted it. He kept it in the net, in the water as the one who caught it prepared a tape to measure it, and set himself up for a photo. He unhooked it in the net, grabbed it and his buddy took the photo. Quickly measured it, and then back into the water taking his time with the fish until it swam off on its own. Then they went back to hooting and hollering. I watched this whole thing, as I was getting my usual skunk, and couldn't help but smile for them. They were young (20's maybe even teenagers) and did it like pros. It was really nice to see.