A Guide To Handling And Un-Hooking Fish...

#1 (**permalink**) 10-28-2008, 08:02 PM

Hi guys. I have decided to add this thread - to help beggiers learn how to handle and un-hook fish. And how to use a disgorger.

How To Fisrt Pick The Fish Up:
It's ussaly best to fisrt pick the fish up to your level once you've bought it in by the tip of the hook or underneath the fish. Espcilly for fish with sharp spikes such as bass. This will reduce the risk of them cutting you when being picked up.

How To Handle Them Afterwards:
Get a firm grip. Always we your hands before handling a fish. If it is to big or heavy to hold - lay it on some damp grass or a wet towel. Hold the fish gently - but firmly - with both hands underneath it. One hand by the ills, and the other hand by the anal fin.

Un-Hoking The Fish By Hand:
This is easier for the smaller fish. Hold the fish gently but firmly kn one hand and the tip of the hook in the other. Twist the hook around slightly and slide it out.

Un-Hooking The Fish Useing A Disgorger:
This is better for the bigger fish. Push the disgorger onto the line. Then, slide it down the hook and then press it against the bend of the hook to remove it.

Un-Hooking Tope, Dogfish And Sharks:
For this, many people just cut the trace off and leave the hook in their - but that's your choice. If the hook is quite small for the shark - it will eventully just swallow the hook. Sharks have very strong digestive acids and it will break down the hook quite easily.

Weighing And Measuring The Fish:
You can buy special fish weighing nets from all tackle shops and here's how to use them: Place the fish in a damp net and hang it on the hook. Note down the weight. Then - take the fish out and weight the bag by itself. Finnaly - subtract the weight of the wet net to find the weight of the fish. To measure the fish - simply use a tape measure from the nose tip to the tail tip.

Keeping A Record:
I find it's great to keep a record of the best fish you catch. Note down its' size, weight, species, date, time and location caught, bait and tackle used and possibly have a picture of the fish.

Putting Fish Back:
Put your fish back in the closest place possible to wear you caught it. Try not to throw it back. Hold the fish under the water for a few seconds before letting it go.

Keeping The Fish:
Most people will kill the fish quicly on the scene and possibly gut them there and then as well. They do this by useing a sharp knife to the neck or hitting them against a rock or the floor. Another qay is to put them in a freezing cold box of ice. This will be a slow death - but the cold will slow down their motabalism and they won't feel any pain.

I hope this information helps.
Tight Lines!