http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/Captain-s-Corner-Learn-techniques-for-catch-and-release_166784867
A recent warming trend had been a boost to shallow water fly fishing. Since most inshore water species are in schools, many fish can be caught in a short period of time. Even if a few fish are going to be kept, having the ability to safely and quickly release a fish requires careful technique. I often see serious fishermen who want to preserve their sport for the future do the wrong things. Handling the fish with a dry towel, holding large fish vertically and keeping them out of the water too long can be fatal. Most flies have a single hook that can be crimped or debarbed ahead of time. It will penetrate the fish’s mouth more easily and simplify removal. Do barbless hooks make it easier to loosen fish? If constant tension is applied, no. Get the fish in quickly, especially in warmer water. Grab the leader close to the fish and with your other hand engage the hook bend with a simple wire hook degorger sold in all tackle shops, similar to the ones used to remove live baitfish from a Sabiki rig. Lift vertically with the degorger while holding the leader below the fish’s mouth, and the hook point will disengage, allowing it to slip back into the water. All this without handling the fish.
Fly fisherman Pat Damico runs charters in lower Tampa Bay and can be reached at captpatdamico.com and (727) 504-8649.
- Capiains Corner. Damico - December 26, 2023
- Pat Damico - December 21, 2023
- CaptainsCorner: Pat Damico - November 27, 2023
