Posted by Jim E (24.116.99.140) on August 14, 2003 at 18:59:01:
Fightin’ Fish
Especially during the Summer, how we fight fish and more importantly how fast we get them released can determine if they will survive or not.
On the river I see very few fly fisherman using their rod to its fullest potential in fighting fish. No matter what the action of your rod is, the tip is fairly limber. This is such to help prevent break offs and is necessary to keep constant pressure on the fish. The mistake fisherman make is not putting the rest of the rod to use in the fight. After the hook set they immediately raise their rod to where it’s perpendicular to the water or at 90 degrees. In doing this they are only fighting the fish with the tip of the rod, the weakest part. For smaller fish no problem but for bigger fish the fight could be long and exhaustive. Even fatal!!!
So, what to do?
To best fight a medium to large fish and properly use your rod, do this. After the hook set and when you somewhat have control of the situation, fight the fish with your rod being held around a 45 –60 degree angle to the water. This puts the whole of the rod into the fight. The tip is still there to protect your tippet but you are also using the stronger and stiffer portion of the rod that is closer to the cork handle. By applying more and stronger force to the fish without sacrificing shock absorption you will be able to land the fish faster, increasing his chances of survival and evoke less stress upon him.
Now, of course, to actually bring the fish to hand you will have to raise your rod up to the 90 degree level or maybe more. And from here to the time that it takes to actually release the fish can be the most critical.
If you can at all help it do not touch the fish. But, if you must, wet your hands first. This will help reduce the chance of your removing any of the fish’s slime coating. Also, leave the fish in the water all of the time, if at all possible. If you must pick the fish up out the water, hold “your” breath. If the fish is out of the water it can’t breath. So if you hold your breath also it will give you an idea how fast you need to get the fish back into the water.
Carry some forceps with you to remove your fly faster and without touching the fish. Or, use a ketchum release. Avoid using a net. Most nets do a lot of damage to the slime coating. The net I carry is specifically made as a catch and release net. The netting is very soft and supple and also stretches. Although I carry it all of the time I can’t remember the last time I used it. I don’t want to chance it. Matter of fact, I think the last time I used it was to carry some trash that I picked up along side of the river.
Another important note, if your having trouble removing a hook just cut your tippet as close to the hook as possible, especially if the hook is in deep. Flies are cheap and the fish will most likely survive with the hook rusting out in a few weeks. I have caught fish before with rusted hooks in them and they looked no worse for the wear.
After you have landed the fish and are ready to release it notice if it is still thrashing around and ready to go, or if it is fairly docile and not moving very much. If it is motionless it’s probably because he is pretty exhausted. This being the case you will need to revive him a little. Do this by cradling his belly in one hand and with the other holding his tail right before the fin starts. (Again, touch the fish only with wetted hands!!!) Hold him under the water and “gently” move him back and forth only a couple of inches each way. This will force water to flow through his gills helping him get oxygen. Hopefully, after a bit, you will feel him start to kick and squirm a little. This lets you know that he is reviving and will soon be ready for releasing. If he really starts kicking his tail, let him go.
The danger in releasing a fish that hasn’t been revived is that he will simply sink to the bottom, sulking there with their muscles continuing to build up lactic acid. This will eventually lead to their demise. Like humans, oxygenated blood is needed to remove the lactic acid from the muscles. This is why reviving an exhausted fish is imperative.
Being a responsible fisherman requires concerns like these. We shouldn’t be only for the here and now. But realize that our actions now affect what can and what does happen in the future. Respecting the laws, respecting nature, being courteous to other fisherman, not leaving our trash behind and on and on are all parts of what makes a good river steward. We are blessed in so many ways. Let’s leave it better than we found it. What’s the old saying, “take nothing, leave only footprints”.
For the record I’m not an environmental wacko. And before anyone beats me to it, I’m just plain Wacko!!
Thanks for reading,
Jim Enns <*)))))))><
Please email me any tips that you might want to share. You will be given full credit.
flyfish@cableone.net