Viking Lars | Saturday, 2 March 2024
Catch and release is becoming more and more common, in some places mandatory. Strangely enough in a few countries illegal, which to me makes no sense. I seem to lose an awful lot of fish in those places - right before landing them. But this is not an against or for catch and release. Whether or not you practice catch and release regularly, bring home a fish for the table, good practice when handling and releasing fish is imperative. You might catch a protected species or one under the size limit.
It’s all about handling. Ideally not handling at all. I do my best not to touch the fish.
I almost always carry a net, preferably one with a rubber mesh. If you can’t get that, get one with a tightly woven knot less net. A synthetic weave is best. A net gets the fish under control immediately if you can’t get to the hook. Avoid lifting the net out if the water, if you can. Have a plan ready, know where it’s easiest to land fish and keep them wet.
To make matters as easy as possible for you and the fish - fish barbless. Buy barbless hooks or squeeze the barb down thoroughly.
If at all possible, I release the fish in the water by just removing the hook. This is usually possible when the fly is visible.
Use a proper tool if you can’t get to the fly with your fingers. Whether it’s a pike with the mouth full of 700 minute razor blades or not. A pair of quality pliers that gets a hook grip on the hook. Sometimes you can gently push the hook out, sometimes it needs a twist. I usually carry a so called Ketchum Release (PoD). It’s a simple tool with a slotted tube, wherein you slide the tool down the leader, follow it to the fly and simply give it a small push and the fish is free. Be very careful when and where you use it, otherwise you might end up pushing the fly deeper into the fish’s mouth, only to hook it again and deeper. But used correctly and in the right situation it’s an excellent tool. I have a big game version, which is good for pike. Unfortunately, I don’t think they (WaterWorks) make the big ones anymore, but the trout versions are still available.
Keep the fish wet. If you want a photo, lift it only partially out of the water. If you lift it out completely, do so very shortly and support the fish or properly. Never ever lift it by the head or tail only. You’ll damage the spine, especially on big fish. Some fish are definitely less sensitive than others, but treat them all the same. And just don’t use gloves - any kind of glove! They harm the fish - full stop! Don’t let them touch anything dry and absolutely try and avoid sand and gravel. All this is only possible in ideal situations, I know.
Have a great weekend!
Lars
PS - I had a good day on the lake last week, so one down, who knows how many to go.