06-03-2008, 09:39 PM
About the use of a net to land a fish. Here is what I have seen on the rivers with people I have fished with and just watching (BTW, I use a mesh knot-less net on all my fish. I dip the net in the water first, keep the fish in the water to remove the hook, hold my breath for pictures as suggested).
1. People I have seen that don't use a net have a tendency to grip fish way to tight. I can see them squeeze the life from a fish while trying to get a good grip.
2. I have seen people fumble a slick fish and slap it around often grabbing it hard to hold or cradled it against their chest wiping off a lot of slime.
3. I agree with others, nothing makes me more upset then to see these fishing guides hold a fish up and slide their fingers into the gills for a better grip. Don't do this. Any damage, no matter how slight to the gills is almost always fatal.
4. When releasing the fish, don't hold them in fast running water, this can overwhelm a fish and damage their gills. Hold them in calmer water, preferably with a slow flow, point them into the current and let them revive. Don't jerk them back and forth in the current, reversing the waters into the gills can cause damage. Take your time, let them revive.
Just my 2 cents.
katghoti
[signature]
1. People I have seen that don't use a net have a tendency to grip fish way to tight. I can see them squeeze the life from a fish while trying to get a good grip.
2. I have seen people fumble a slick fish and slap it around often grabbing it hard to hold or cradled it against their chest wiping off a lot of slime.
3. I agree with others, nothing makes me more upset then to see these fishing guides hold a fish up and slide their fingers into the gills for a better grip. Don't do this. Any damage, no matter how slight to the gills is almost always fatal.
4. When releasing the fish, don't hold them in fast running water, this can overwhelm a fish and damage their gills. Hold them in calmer water, preferably with a slow flow, point them into the current and let them revive. Don't jerk them back and forth in the current, reversing the waters into the gills can cause damage. Take your time, let them revive.
Just my 2 cents.
katghoti
[signature]