Quote:
Originally Posted by Chrisper4694
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.
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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.
