First Passaic River Pike!!

[NJD Bassman]

Been reading all the posts about Pike in the Passaic so decided to try it out. Fished in the Columbia tpk area. Had three misses and then was rewarded with this guy . 8-9 lbs, 31-32inches. Sorry pic does not do it justice.

[NJD Bassman]

Forgot to say: the fish was released unharmed

[tycomps]

congrats, I was just saying the guys down river must have steroids in their water cause all I get is twenty somethings in our area, fine fish!

[NorthJerzyG]

Nice One!

[FASTEDDIE29]

Good job dude. Pike are awesome.

[ChaosStarter]

Nice fish. but she ain't no 8-9lbs.

[NJD Bassman]

Yea it was. You can see the very end of the grip holder. its also a pull down scale. i know its not exact but it was between 8-9. Wish i had my camera n not just my cell phone to take the pic.

[buzzbaiter]

Originally Posted by NJD Bassman

Forgot to say: the fish was released unharmed

Everybody releases them and ALL of them have been harmed in some way. In fact many are harmed quite a bit. Lets not fool ourselves

[surfrod]

Originally Posted by buzzbaiter

Everybody releases them and ALL of them have been harmed in some way. In fact many are harmed quite a bit. Lets not fool ourselves

true, with C&R no doubt the mortality is increased.

however, if you keep the fish, mortality is 100%

[tycomps]

that's an interesting point. obviously the experience of being hooked, fought, landed, and released is traumatic to the fish. I usually don't even take a pic because I want to return the fish to the water asap and I've never seen any pike dead on my return trips to places where I have caught them (has anyone encountered any?). another post I have regarding fish memory also seems to show that fish will bite again sometimes immediately. I've read that you should not play a fish for long particularly in the warmer weather as the act of fighting increases an enzyme in the fish that could prove to be harmful. though I've yet to see an immediate effect of catch and release, it would be interesting to see if there's any info regarding mortality or reproduction (outside of catching them during reproduction). some info:

http://www.wildtroutstreams.com/Catc...guidelines.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch_and_release

Catch-and-Release Guidelines

Most catch-and-release research to date has focused on examining species-specific responses to potential factors which affect mortality. However, due to the large number of studies that have been completed to date, a number of general trends are emerging. Thus, while caution should be used when applying species-specific findings to other species, the following recommendations are, given the available knowledge base, general guidelines to be used to reduce catch-and-release mortality for most species.

Angling Techniques

• Circle hooks should be used as they will minimize the chance of deep hooking.
• Barbless hooks are recommended as they are easier to remove and therefore reduce handling time.
• The use of live/organic bait should be discouraged as it increases the likelihood of deephooking.
• The use of artificial lures should be encouraged.
• Fishing lines must not be left unattended as unattended lines have a greater chance of deeply hooking a fish.
• Fishing line used should be appropriate to the species of fish being sought. This will prevent line breaking and reduce playing time.
• Avoid angling during extreme water temperatures, both hot and cold, if you plan on releasing your catch.

Landing a Fish

• Angled fish should be retrieved as quickly as possible to prevent fish exhaustion.
• Fish should be landed by hand where possible.
• Where a landing net is required, it should be knotless and preferably made of soft rubber.
• When landing extremely large fish (e.g. muskellunge), the use of landing cradle should be considered.

Handling and Photographing a Fish

• Keep fish in the water as much as possible to minimize air exposure.
• Never place your fingers through gills or in the eyes.
• Don’t hold heavy fish by the jaw as this may damage the jaw and vertebrae.
• Hold large fish horizontally and support its body to avoid damage to the internal organs.
• Use wet hands or wet cloth gloves to handle the fish.
• Have camera ready prior to landing fish to minimize air exposure.
• If possible, photograph the fish while in water.

Unhooking a Fish

• Have longnose pliers available to back the hook out.
• Remove the hook quickly, keeping the fish underwater.
• If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line and release the fish as quickly as possible.
• Avoid using stainless steel hooks as they take longer to corrode if left in the fish.

Depressurization

• Avoid fishing deeper (5-6 m) waters if you intend to release your catch.
• Consider depth of capture when deciding on whether or not to release a fish.
• Release the fish quickly after it is landed.
• Avoid artificial swim bladder deflation (“fizzing”).

Revival

• If there is current, hold the fish upright, facing into the current.
• If there isn’t any current, gently move fish back and forth in the water until gill movements return to normal and it is able to maintain its balance.
• When the fish begins to struggle, let it swim away.