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Posts: 2024
| I got to thinking how I might be able to revise my release methods. This past season my release methods have gone like this: net the fish, unhook as quick as possible, take a breather and let the fish rest, take fish out of net and measure. This last part is where I think there is room to change. I use a 60" ruler and hold the fish vertically for a quick measurement with tail pinch. I try to hold the fish a little more horizontally if it's of decent size (40"+) and support its weight with a hand under its belly. One goal that I felt I accomplished this past season was to get a stronger grip on the fish while holding and taking the fish out of the net. I hate dropping fish, but sometimes it happens.
Anyway, I would like to know how others are measuring and releasing their fish. 60" bump board? Do you measure them in the net? In-water measure? I hesitate to do an in-the-water measure just because I don't want the fish bolting before getting a measurement. Any thoughts? I'm also greatly concerned, due in part to recent articles, about holding fish vertically, no matter their size. What do/would you do? |
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| I usually lay the fish down on a wooden ruler I made. It's wide enough to support the fish, and is sealed as well, so I can dunk it in the lake first to minimize slime removal. Quick measurement, and she's off...
Steve |
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Posts: 1996
Location: Pelican Lake/Three Lakes Chain | I have struggled for a long time to find a measuring method that I thought was easy on the fish. I finally found it this year. I complete all the steps exactly as you do up to the point of measuring. To measure the fish I bought a Frabill Musky Cradle. It is basically a shallow floating musky pen. You put the fish in the cradle to measure it, no vertical holds, no laying it in the boat. Easiest on the fish I have ever seen. It comes with the measuring stick on the side of the cradle, but I opt use a stick while the musky is in the cradle. Included is a picture of the cradle full of musky.
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 cradle.jpg (44KB - 187 downloads)
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Posts: 723
| If you have a big enough net, and a floating measure stick, you can co everything while the fish is in the net. We usually will weigh our fish in the net by hooking the scale
onto the rim and simply lift it up over the side of the boat, get the weight, and subtract 4.6lbs (roughly) for the nets weight. The only time that fish comes out of the water is for a quick photo and then off she goes. My partner and I have found this to be ultimate due to no vertical holds, and shortened time out of water. All fish are usually pretty green when we net them but when you finally pick them up for a photo they seem to be in a relaxed state. We haven't had one flop yet for a photo. And we have had some big fish react the same way. I think the less stress you put on them, the more docile they are, until you get bit  |
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Posts: 2024
| Norm,
Do you first net the fish, then remove and put it into the cradle? Or do you use a cradle vs. a net? |
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Posts: 4266
| I fish alone a lot, and trying to unhook, measure, photo........any of those things is compounded
by the fact that I dont have any help. Over the years, I've found it easier to hit my aerator switch while I'm fighting a fish and let the livewell fill up. Once the fish is in the net, I cut all of the hooks, get everything out of the way, and slide the fish into the well. This gives us both time to relax after the battle. I can take some measurements. I can make sure that the fish is getting fresh water pumped into her face and see to it that she can right herself.
Once she is steady on her own, I'll grab her by her jaw and tail and pick her up and put her back. They usually take off in less than 30 seconds.
Beav |
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Posts: 52
Location: N.W. Ontario | I have to get myself one of those cradles, very nice!!
My current procedure is to net and unhook, let the fish rest in the net, then transfer to a wet cradle in the boat, measure, put the fish and cradle back in the water for another rest, take her out for photos if it's a nice one (skip this if not), then into the water and release. |
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| Is it really necessary to measure EVERY fish? For those of you whom have caught any number of fish, you should be able to estimate them within an inch or so. Just a thought.
John |
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Posts: 52
Location: N.W. Ontario | No it isn't necessary, I only do it because I am logging the data for Muskies Canada and the OMNR and my data (I'm also submitting tiger fin clips as well) is being used to better our fishery, otherwise unless it were a really nice one, I'd just let it go immediately. |
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Posts: 1996
Location: Pelican Lake/Three Lakes Chain | Esox,
Yes, I use a conventional net, the Frabill Big Kahuna, to land the fish. After unhooking the fish I lay the cradle in the water (it floats) next to the boat. I simply transfer the fish from the net to the cradle for measurements, or set it in after a picture. No vertical holds and the fish is always in the water. Keeps them real happy!!
Edited by nwild 11/16/2004 7:58 AM
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