Best way to yank that sturg. in the boat

[DF]

I have been sturg. fishin' for about 3 years now, and have always just drug the fish in with the leader... is there any better way to do this?
[img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]
Thanks!

:grin:

[rileyusmc]

The way I do it is to put on my gloves and grab it by the tail.Its easier for me that way.

[Biteme]

If it is too small just pop the hook with a pair of pliers without bringing it into the boat. If it is close enough to measure use a net, tail it either by hand or with one of the tailer's that are available. Dont lift it by the leader if it is hooked deep or in the gills that will cause more damage than if lifted by the other means. If you must lift by the leader then also support the body so that you take some of the weight off the leader.

[Reel Fun Fish'n]

I lift by the tail, but I dont use a glove I just get the hands wet first. Be careful of the scutes there sharp and can cause some nasty infections. As already stated only lift if their close to being keepers. Just use pliers or a hook remover on the real small ones

[5-Cents]

I'm with Dennis on this one, use a net if you are going to measure it, if the fish is too small just unhook it on the side of the boat without bringing it in the boat.

[Lwagg2]

i let the little ones loose most the time without taking them outta the water but anything i think is a keeper i tail grab and lift into the boat with a gloved hand, if question that it over sized i try to do an over the side fast measurment, if it clearly not a keeper away it swims without being removed form the water.

[DF]

Thanks for the info, did this the other day, iv'e got this handy hook remover, it looks like extended pliers with metal jaws on the end for the hook, works great!

Goin after some tommrow, fished on a day you can't keep and caught what we measured ( in the water ) to be about 40 inches :grin:

[Bendman]

I always use gloves some fish aren’t that bad but some are I don’t chance it. I have a large diameter soft nylon rope with a lasso on one end the other tied to the boat. Bring the fish up to the side of the boat ( this only works if you can reach over the side) I have marks on the side of my boat that shows both the long and short legal limits. Reach down grab the fish by the tail and leaving him in the water and check for size. If it’s a keeper take your rope and slide it down your arm slip it around the tail and pull the lasso tight . I forgot to mention that I put my arm through the lasso so I don’t have to let go of the fish. Have the person that caught the fish keep the leader tight with his or her pole not with your hands while your measuring. Sometimes, actually a lot of times the fish doesn’t sit still for this deal. As you can see this is a two person deal but gator fishing isn’t fun by yourself anyway.
:tongue:

[SPAZZ]

If it is close enough to measure tail it. Less damage to the fish if you have to release it.