I read a disturbing arcticle recently in a Rhode Island newspaper
alluding to the mortality rates among catch and release striped bass.
The researchers were identified in the article as Rudy Lukacovic and Ben
Florence. Although the circumstances leading to the demise of a
percentage of released fish were vague, it was obvious that in the
writer's eyes it was unacceptable. Unable to realize a clear conclusion
as to the cause of these fatalities from the data provided, I've arrived
at my own conclusion. The following are several ways to address, and
hopefully curb, at least some of these avoidable losses. |
The first is to adjust tackle to a more survival-friendly condition.
This can be as simple as crushing the barbs on your hooks. One step
further would be to stick to single hook lures. Replacing treble hooks
with singles will do less damage while facilitating an easier and
quicker release. |
When school bass are the quarry, there probably isn't a more
effective lure on the planet than a simple jig. Bucktails, curlytails,
shad types and countless other configurations are prime examples of a
barbless, single hook approach. Bigger bass are also drawn to the same
varieties of jigs in sizes more attractive to their appetites. |
Trollers have several options when focusing on fish-friendly
methods. Parachute jigs offer the same single hook advantages as other
jigs. Tube and worm combos employing a single hook have provided me a
fair share of keeper bass while still allowing me to release lip hooked
specimens with minimal harm. Large trolling spoons are often equipped
with or can easily be converted to single hook lures. |
With cut bait and eel fishing, the circle hooks have become a popular
option. Once you become proficient with them, they are an effective and
reliable tool in practicing damage control to the fish while maintaining
a consistently high hook-up ratio. Whether using circle hooks or
conventional hooks, a quick response to a take or strike can minimize
and usually avoid a gut hooked fish. |
Another factor that can lead to better survival rates is how we
handle fish once we've caught them. I've witnessed all to often fish
being tossed back from the West Wall at Jerusalem, for example, and
bounced off the rocks upon their "release." These creatures are not
made of rubber and are therefore susceptible to internal injuries that
can be fatal later. Care must be taken to insure a sucessful return to
the water. |
Boat anglers hold a distinct advantage in handling fish. A firm
lipping of small fish allows minimal contact as long as the fish isn't
allowed to shake free and carom off gunwales and deck fixtures. |
Bigger fish can also be lipped, but an over twenty can make even a
double thumb lip lock quite a challenge. Nets can provide a dependable
landing method. Care must be taken once the fish is on board so as not
to allow it to thrash about and injure itself. Fish that respond
sluggishly should be revived to increase heir chances for survival. If
a fish is to be released, playing it until complete exhaustion is
dangerous. A fish in nearly "belly-up" condition needs ample recovery
time to regain the strength needed to sustain its position in the harsh
ocean environment. |
These suggestions in and of themselves can't guarantee a 100%
survival rate in catch and release fishing. It would be unrealistic and
disingenuous to even imply that notion. What they can do is demonstrate
that we recognize and are making an attempt to rectify the situation,
and in so doing, keeping our own house in order. |
As recreational anglers become more and more vocal, and rightfully
so, in their assessment of the detrimental practices of commercial
fishing, we must make every effort to scrutinize and improve our own
methods in the name of conservation. Unless we can, as a group, take
steps to become part of the solution, we will also be viewed as part of
the problem. |
