Bleeding Musky
agrimm
Posted 6/8/2006 9:46 AM (#195500)
Subject: Bleeding Musky





Posts: 427


Location: Wausau		A guy was telling that if a musky is bleeding upon release the survival rate is drastically reduced. I have a hard time finding this true with the documented success of C & R. The other persons reasoning was the musky does not have the ability to stop bleeding and will eventually bleed out and that sadly the fish was most likely hooked in the gills. I told him I would add a post to collect others thoughts...For peace of mind - tell me he was wrong.
muskie_man1
Posted 6/8/2006 10:00 AM (#195502 - in reply to #195500)
Subject: RE: Bleeding Musky




Posts: 222


Location: Hartland, WI		This is tricky and probably case to case in my opinion. Bleeding gills are never good...but it happens. You cant help where the fish is hooked. Last year I had a two fish stretch, where I had a bulldawg stuck on the bottom part of their mouths...on the outside. Both were bleeding...I think if this happens, you should not net the fish regargdless of size. I think you should just shake her loose/cut the hooks and do water release. No need for a picture.

Now if the tail is bleeding or fins...I think this is different. My understanding is that is caused from stress. I think the survival rate is much better.

Regardless, this is JUST a fish...and things happen. All you can do, is do your best when releasing them and keep casting.

Johannes

Edited by muskie_man1 6/8/2006 10:00 AM