Fishing Etiquette ?

[rutgersfan1]

Prefer 2 lb test and UL rod to cast small lures, more fight from small fish, etc but invariably some fish snap the line and I lose the lures. A bummer to lose the lure $$, but I get over it. I don't ever keep fish anyway...

Is it wrong to fish in such a way that fish end up with the hooks stuck in them ? I'm sure usually the hook doesn't just come out on its own. And sometimes in tight areas (rocks, branches, etc.) I can't just loosen the drag enough to let the hooked fish seek cover.

Or should I not use such light line, and be much more likely to always land fish and remove the hook ?

Basically I'm asking if I should feel bad about this .... is it against etiquette to often leave fish out there with lures stuck in them ? Because I suppose I could use 6 lb test and lose less lures this way if etiquette dictates it.

[Moz]

I don't think it's a question of etiquette. It's really no different than gut-hooking a fish when your mindset is to only do C&R, especially if you get one that's not of legal size that you can't keep and make use of as a meal thus it's a wasted kill.

If you're using small hooks/lures on 2 LBS test the hook will rust out and it shouldn't kill the fish. If it's personally unsettling for you than go with a higher pound test line but personally I would think it's cool to have landed something someone else clearly didn't!

I remember reading something somewhere about the ethics of killing a fish that has to go to waste and the gist of it was you knowingly take that risk every time you set out fishing and have to accept the consequences of it happening.

[rutgersfan1]

Thx I hear ya..do what I feel OK doing

(I was under the impression that hooks don't rust out in fresh water.)

[urbnimports]

Just a quick note, not sure about all fish but if you leave a metal hook in a bass' mouth it will dissolve in a few days. Bass have an enzyme in their mouth which breaks down food, including metal. If you ever caught a ton of bass you will notice the skin on your hand will start peeling, it's the same enzymes that break the hook down.

[NorthJerzyG]

I've wondered the same about pike. Cause I've lost almost as many lures to pike in the passaic as snags??

[flyboy1]

I personally am appalled and sickened by these practices. I am in the belief that no living creature needs to suffer intentionally or by negligence.

I am sickened when I see people fishing for pike, musky, pickeral, etc.. without leaders or the proper strength line. Why do you think there is proper catch and release nets, proper line, proper lures etc.. for Musky and giant Pike, I cant stand the fact that people use 2lb or 4lb test for fish because the fight is greater with no disregard for the fish. Imagine taking a chicken bone and sticking in your mouth permanently where you can still breath but you cant eat or drink or swallow properly and then you get to endure a slow starving death. Its sickening...

I use braided line and it has not stopped me from catching any less fish then if I used lighter mono or fluoro.. When I fish I ensure the safety of the fish I catch. I go the extra mile if a fish is deeply hooked to do my best to save the fish whether its a giant Pike or a small sunny.. I actually have too much of a conscience if I break off a fish or cant save a fish.

[flyboy1]

Originally Posted by urbnimports

Just a quick note, not sure about all fish but if you leave a metal hook in a bass' mouth it will dissolve in a few days. Bass have an enzyme in their mouth which breaks down food, including metal. If you ever caught a ton of bass you will notice the skin on your hand will start peeling, it's the same enzymes that break the hook down.

Unfortunately if its a lure attached to the hook its still a few days too long and the bass will die especially the solid treble hooks that are on lures will not dissolve in a few days.

[RATS]

Another option would be stop fishing with barbed hooks or file the barbs off. First it makes C&R easier on the fish and if you snap the line while fighting there is an "easier" chance of the hook falling out of the fishes mouth. Bonus is it is even more of a fun fight knowing with any line slack your fish is gone. This is not preaching just a thought for you.