I was passing through the Wappoo Cut the other day, and I noticed a large redfish floating on the surface - uhh does nobody vent these fish around here? Am I missing something? I Would like to get some opinions on the best methods of handling these larger fish when releasing.
Kebda fishing at Demetre Park again???
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”, but really, who cares?
I’m not sure venting is an issue in most cases. Gut hooked/exhausted more likely. Long leaders on sliding rigs = foul hooked fish and if you “think” you “might” hook a Bull Red, leave the 30-40 size reels and med. rods at home. As far as handling, get a big landing net, get the fish to the boat as quickly as possible, net the fish, lay it on the floor, remove the hook, get a Good grip on tail, other hand under the belly…make sure you got hold of it. THEN pick it up. By this time for sure someone has a camera ready. Take a pic.
Now…with the same “hold”, over the side you go, place the fish in the water, keeping it level. No need to move the fish around. Don’t let go of the tail. It should have enough strength to pull it from your grip. If it happens to be foul hooked, just cut the line, nothing you can do about it at that point. Release the same way.
X2 on what DP said leave the light tackle at home and revive them till they swim off strong. There is only one place I have fished in the harbor where you need to vent fish and I stopped fishing there. From 20 feet or less venting or release tool isn’t needed.
2005 Sea Hunt 212 Triton
“Head East”
quote:
Originally posted by dparker677I’m not sure venting is an issue in most cases. Gut hooked/exhausted more likely. Long leaders on sliding rigs = foul hooked fish and if you “think” you “might” hook a Bull Red, leave the 30-40 size reels and med. rods at home. As far as handling, get a big landing net, get the fish to the boat as quickly as possible, net the fish, lay it on the floor, remove the hook, get a Good grip on tail, other hand under the belly…make sure you got hold of it. THEN pick it up. By this time for sure someone has a camera ready. Take a pic.
Now…with the same “hold”, over the side you go, place the fish in the water, keeping it level. No need to move the fish around. Don’t let go of the tail. It should have enough strength to pull it from your grip. If it happens to be foul hooked, just cut the line, nothing you can do about it at that point. Release the same way.
Making it short, keep the fish out of the water as shortly as possible.
“When men yield up the privilege of thinking, the last shadow of liberty quits the horizon.” - Thomas Paine