How to land the giants....

[Deleted User]

Since this seems to be the most knowledgeable of all websites in the Northwest and from the emails I've received, I've found it to have SOME damn excellent anglers on it that catch some damn big fish... I just gotta ask for some advice.

Tuesday I fished the Pen and hooked and landed a monstrous buck ranging in the 20 to 23 pound range.

It was legally landed because we tailed it.

I played the thing for 25 minutes and screamed at my partner over and over again, (Where's the God--- net? That's right you forgot it!)

Anyway...
We landed the fish but it was so monstrous that when it was tailed it began thrashing and straighten out the hook and took off without a picture and measurement (actually I don't measure fish anymore, don't really care about how big they are.)

So here's the questions....

1. Should I have played the fish longer? (I don't like to exhaust them to death.)
2. Would the iron glove worked better?
3. Should I have let it flop on the rocks, till it calmed down?
4. Is there a bigger C&R net out there? My buddy said it wouldn't have fit in a net.

I know that the best C&R is when they unhook themselves. Buttttt this would of been a wall mount.

Advice?

[Backlash2]

Tell me you intended to get a 'replica' mount.....

[Tanner]

I used to get upset about long line releasing fish. (Still do if it is a hatchery fish cause I like to eat em). But in my boat, if it is a native and you get him within 5 feet of the boat, he counts. This has always been a question in my mind also. What is the best way to deal with a fish like this? Can't net him or let him flop on the rocks, he may get injured. Tailing him is OK if you can do it without jeopardizing the fish's health. (Wool or cotton gloves recommended, also should be done in deep enough water that a fish is not going to thrash himself on the rocks), overplaying him into oxygen debt and lactic acid buildup not recommended.

[ 03-22-2001: Message edited by: Tanner ]

[Deleted User]

Angie, assuming you would have released the fish after taking pictures for a replica mount I would stay away from any kind of net and letting the fish bang around on the rocks would not have been a good idea either. The 12-13lb hen I got yesterday on the Wilson river thrashed around a little too much but after careful resusitation she strongly swam away. I'm not sure what the iron glove is but a fish that large would be difficult to handle. The best guide on the North Oregon coast Marty Peterson of Gonefishin Guide Service is an expert on catch and release maybe he could give you better advice.What a thrill it must have been to catch such a large fish.
Stew

[ 03-22-2001: Message edited by: bigstew ]

[DanS]

So tidewater,

Are you a fan of whacking nates, or closing seasons completely when natives are in the system? If you don't like C&R, then what's your propsal?

[TideWater]

DanS,

If a system can't support a limited kill fishery, close it to fishing.

That's why the Sky is closed. It can't support the C&R fatalities.

What about the hatchery fish competing with nates? Don't raise non-native hatchery fish that enter the system when nates are in. Native brood stock could be used in hatcheries to give a system a boost for poor native runs.

Over time, the WA nates would take care of themselves with this proposal if we didn't have tribal gill nets.


Back to how to release the hogs? A C&R net would be the best option. Two long poles with a mesh inbetween cradles the fish. With two people working it from shore it shouldn't be to difficult to release a hog unharmed.

[Osprey]

Toilet aahhh I mean Tidewater,sounds like you and "Plunker" went to the same narrow minded little school images/icons/mad.gif
"That's why the Sky is closed. It can't support the C&R fatalities."


What about all the nates you bonked....Oh those don't don't have any effect on the count images/icons/mad.gif

ONCE AGAIN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION......NOT THE PROBLEM.....Os

[ 03-22-2001: Message edited by: Osprey ]

[Fuzzybutt & Angel]

Tailing for me is the only option, grab the tail firmly, and cradle under the belly,keeping the fish under control,a quick picture with the camera ready, and off the fish goes, mortality rates are much lower with a no-bait, no scent rule,like the lower sky had.....the reason they closed it wasnt due to mortality of C&R.

Fuzzy


Silent Approach Jigs (http://www.silentapproach.com)

[ 03-22-2001: Message edited by: Fuzzybutt & Angel ]

[Predator Dawg]

Angie,

I like to grab my club and give them a good blow just to stun em, then get my $1.00 fly back. images/icons/grin.gif

Actually, I've always been a fan on big nates or whatever it is I'm fishing to just clip the leader down close and let them go practically untouched. You being the flygal that you are were probably fishing barbless so that hook would fall out in no time. The other fishies would thing that nate was cool with the pierced ornament while it lasted.

Nice job!

Steve

[RichH]

I've always been a fan of tail(ing) myself. If the fish is flopping that hard I let 'em back into the creek and try again. I think playing them to exhaustion is a verrry bad idea. Nice job images/icons/grin.gif

[Snagly]

Well done on your fish. You certainly don't want him flopping on the bank (or played to belly-up status). Anyone trying to tail a 40"-plus steelhead must have bigger hands than I do. Without a glove it's an impossibility with one hand. (Maybe your partner could do it with two.) With a glove you might make a one-in-three grab that sticks if the fish isn't entirely played out. So you're left with two options that are less damaging:

1. Knotless net (try www.frabill.com)or (http://www.frabill.com)or) a "cradle" (used for Muskies, lakers and, increasingly, salmon/ steelhead but I don't know where you can buy one)

2. Leader the fish in shallow water, get the camera ready, drop your gear in the water, kneel down, lift fish half out of water while hand on leader cradles lower jaw and hope the fish stays passive long enough for the shooter to unhook it. Otherwise, fish powers away generally breaking your frayed leader or straightening hook.

I've had exactly what you described happen a couple of times. Sure miss those photos on the wall, but not at the price of dragging the fish up on the rocks.

[parker]

My answers:

1. Should I have played the fish longer? (I don't like to exhaust them to death.)

No. Bring the Hog in as quickly as you can.

2. Would the iron glove worked better?

A cloth glove works just fine. If you're strong enough, bare hands work just fine.

3. Should I have let it flop on the rocks, till it calmed down?

Once you tail them, lift the tail slightly out of the water, with the head facing down. This will calm the fish down somewhat. Usually, with half the fish out of the water, and the head still in, this allows you to take mesaurements, pictures, and all that wonderful fun stuff without harming the fish.

4. Is there a bigger C&R net out there? My buddy said it wouldn't have fit in a net.

I've seen some really large C&R nets that will easily hold a fish of that size. That's a good option of you can't get to the bank and are in a boat. Other wise, get out of the boat and, wade up to your shins and tail the fish.

Ok. Maybe it was the fact that I spent three years working at the UW Fish Pond with the salmon. I just don't seem to have a problem tailing fish! images/icons/wink.gif

Parker

[smilesforu]

Right out of the gate you won't be tailing a fish of that size with out Andre the Giant Paws...no maym. A smaller fish with a wool glove works great. The muskie net is not a good option for a bankie....nope no maym. Neither is dragging a regular net along as you beat the brush...This is the Oly Pen thicket!! Tried it...look like a dork...Because you would be!!
Fish are alot calmer in shallow calm water. Since it was going back no lifting, no hugging, no rock beating....just reach down with your pliers and pop the hook while hanging onto the leader. If you can't do it yourself your partner can do it for you. Take a quick pic with the fish still in the water if you can.
If youre alone this task is alot tougher to do. I usually look for a calm area or shallow beach spot. Then just barely let the fish sit half in half out of the water so I can get to it. Then quickly pluck the hook and get it back to the water immediately.
Fish like to flop so it is usually best next to the water edge so when it happens they will be able to swim away if you can't control them.
On a deep hook ...leave it and cut the line close instead of risking further damage to the fish. If the fish is bleeding or blinded...kill it and mark your card if legal to do. Nothing is worse than watching a bleeder swim away. Conserve your catch...don't waste it. Fish will die no matter how careful you are..
If your fishing for big fish use line that can handle big fish... You should hear the gun shot noise when I break my mainline. images/icons/grin.gif
Picture taking isn't for the fishes health.
Lay your rod next to the fish for a quick measurement. Just heard the story of a famous guide that killed one he released after a picture session. I guess if somebody in another boat nets your floater then it was a good release. Whatever images/icons/rolleyes.gif

[parker]

"Just heard the story "

Oh gee. "Stories" on the internet.

"It must be true if I read it on the internet!"

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

Now now Parker. It's that type of defammation that led my post to be removed. images/icons/confused.gif

Oh well, long live Selective Censorship. Isn't Jennie's signature pulled straight off of Angie's site? images/icons/rolleyes.gif Incahoots.

[First Bite]

Angie
The very first thing I do when I hook a Native is to look for a nice landing spot. If I happen to be fishing by myself, I'll pass up certain fishing holes if there isn't a safe place to land the fish. I never use less then 10# line and if I haven't gained ground after a reasonable time I'll tighten up the drag enough to either pull the fish into the shallows or break off. If the fish gets off, so be it. I'd rather pop off a fish then add undue stress by playing the fish too long. I also never net a fish I'm going to release. Once the fish is in shallow water I'll grab in front of the tail fin and this usually keeps them calm.

A few years back I rigged up needle nose pliers onto flexible tubing. I have this connected to my D ring on my vest. Before I land a fish I have my pliers handy for a quick release if necessary.

A few weeks ago I was by myself and landed my biggest hen ever using the method I just mentioned above.

[smilesforu]

Parker my story came from first hand accounts from some of my personal fishing friends who eye witnessed it. I had dismissed it previously until I heard who witnessed and netted the fish. Sure it wasn't on purpose but it happened. Take the story as you want....

[Centerpin]

25 minutes is a lot of downtime. I would suggest using leaders of at least 10 lbs. I regularly use 15 lb leaders. Make sure you have a rod that can handle big fish. Something with some backbone that allows you to put a lot of pressure on the fish without bowing to it. I don't know of any steelhead blanks that can pop 15 lb leader when the tip is up or to the side. Work the fish hard. Know when you can put pressure on it and when to give them their head(thrashing and rolling). You should be able to put just about every fish on the beach within 10 min. Walk upstream and never downstream. There is a thing called the kite principle(Meyers, 1999)that allows you to use the angle of your line to move the fish upstream with the same amount of pressure.

When the fish is ready get your partner in position never over knee deep. When the fish is facing the shore and towards you skate that baby in Skeena style. Remember fish can only swim forwards and not backwards. Use the rocks on the bottom to keep he head facing towards the shore and lift his tail slightly up like Parker stated.

White cotton full fingered gloves are preferred by hatcheries and work very well for tailing fish. Don't squeeze too hard and sometimes if you rub their belly gently they will relax. I would rather have people tailing green fish with cotton gloves than have people play the fish to death then proceed to have them slip and drop on the rocks.

[FASTWATER]

After years of practicing catch release the best pictures we got did not require removing fish from the water at all. The best method I found was two gloves for the cradle as people handling fish bare handed do have a tendence to flop around and remove the slime, cotton gloves do seem to work the best. I like to tail in at least knee deep water from boat or bank and the real trick as alot of you all ready know is to turn the fish belly up which instantly tranquilizes the fish, be camera ready! When you turn the fish back over belly down snap a picture and be ready usually within seconds they will burn off no harm done 20# fish handled this way on the O.P. this week were more than willing to burst away instantly and great pictures. Hope this helps works for me !!