This seems like big news that would likely apply to many or most species of fish.
Scientists in Oregon were catching steelhead on flies (nice work if you can get it) in order to tag them with radio tracking devices. They were alarmed to find that many of the fish were drifting dead or unconscious a half-hour or so after release. They were able to recover fish for autopsies that showed the fish died of brain trauma or concussion. They concluded the fish injured themselves by flopping on gravel after being led into shallow water for landing. Since fish would never suffer a blow to the head in the course of normal living, their brains are not armored and cushioned the way land animals’ brains are.
It seems the same thing could happen if you let a fish flop on a boat bottom or a pier deck or an oyster bar. Ever since I learned this, I’ve found it really disturbing to watch fishing videos where a landed fish is to be released. Much of the time I’m going, “Nooooooo!”
Seems like regular use of a fish gripper could help.
The use of a dehooking tool is mandatory for Snapper Grouper species. Use that tool without ever bringing the fish on board and they live. It’s not hard. It’s actually a lot safer anyway. Less chance of getting a hook in the hand.
SIDE NOTE: just for the public, I was introduced to the dehooking tool probably 12-14 years ago. While I can’t say that I have always used one (sometimes I lose them), if one is handy I will use it. Not because of the law, but as you know, because it is a pretty slick device. Much more efficient than pliers and puts your fingers that much further away from the hook (and a shark’s mouth).
I feel the same way about circle hooks for snapper\grouper as well. That law was pretty easy to swallow since we had been using circle hooks way before then. Actually sellsfish got me hooked on them more than a decade ago. It’s just a better mouse trap than a J-hook (except for something like triggerfish maybe).
I’ve also been using de-hookers long before they were required equipment, as well as circle hooks. I use them because they work better, not because I have to, but it does make it easier when the laws coincides with my preferences.
The way I’ve always understood the regs is you must have a de-hooker tool and venting tool onboard, although they have dropped the venting tool in many areas now. I still use one if I think it will help the fish. Usually not. Just keep it in the tackle box. I could be wrong also but I’d go $8 just for sport
Possessing the tools are easy laws to enforce, enforcing the use would be impossible without drone surveillance.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
I’ve also been using de-hookers long before they were required equipment, as well as circle hooks. I use them because they work better, not because I have to, but it does make it easier when the laws coincides with my preferences.
The way I’ve always understood the regs is you must have a de-hooker tool and venting tool onboard, although they have dropped the venting tool in many areas now. I still use one if I think it will help the fish. Usually not. Just keep it in the tackle box. I could be wrong also but I’d go $8 just for sport
Possessing the tools are easy laws to enforce, enforcing the use would be impossible without drone surveillance.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
To unify the two themes, there’s a video out there where a guy uses a dehooker to flip a non-keeper sheepshead off the hook so he falls four feet onto the boat bottom, lands on his side and flops.
To unify the two themes, there’s a video out there where a guy uses a dehooker to flip a non-keeper sheepshead off the hook so he falls four feet onto the boat bottom, lands on his side and flops.
That would be why you do it on the outside of the gunnel...
To unify the two themes, there’s a video out there where a guy uses a dehooker to flip a non-keeper sheepshead off the hook so he falls four feet onto the boat bottom, lands on his side and flops.
It’s impossible to regulate stupidity.
13ft Whaler with 25hp Johnson
If you’re lucky enough to be fishing, you’re lucky enough.
Buy an ARC dehooker and watch the video. Cannot tell you how many times I get to a fishing spot and pull out two dehookers and pliers as we’re about to set up to fish, and people have no clue how to use the dehookers even after I show them. Practice makes perfect, and the video that comes with the ARC dehookers really will make you understand how simple things can be. When you see that a fish is too small or not allowed/wanted for the box, just leave it in the water while you grab the dehooker. Makes less wear on both you and the fish.
Don’t put fish in the boat unless you plan on eating them or taking a picture for an angler. If the latter is the case, then don’t let the fish beat itself up.
Dead fish floating behind somebody’s boat really angers me. Have some respect.
And at a minimum, dehookers are mandatory when fishing for any of the 70+ snapper/grouper species in federal waters.
Yes, I know enforcement offshore is nearly impossible. Yes, that is why the way it would theoretically be enforced is relating possession of certain fish to required possession of the aforementioned tool(s). It would go down like this. “I see that you have a knobbed porgy and white grunt in your cooler, Sir. Can I please see your dehooking device? No Sir, pliers do not count.”
You’re also required by law to wear a PFD if you’re under tow, but how many times have you seen a tow boat pulling a boat full of people who aren’t wearing PFD’s?
We shouldn’t have to be mandated by the government to be smart. Try an ARC dehooker and have more fun without wasting fish and your time.
