How can we get through to them ???

[Dragginbait]

I was out again yesterday and saw WAY TOO MANY people netting every single coho that came to the boat. I was going to get on the radio and tell people to start gaff releasing their fish but thought it would have been pointless and didn't need to get into a pissing match on the radio.
Do you think it would be a good to have some of us send out of few friendly reminders through the day to maybe convince some of the people out there to keep the nets in the boats and try it. I doubt too many people are useing leaders so light that they cant flip a 5 lb fish into the boat after it has been identified. Even if the odd one gets off, just wait 30 seconds for the next one.
Next time out I'm gonna start this and with so many first timers out the now it would be a good way to get them into good habits from the start.

 

[Finished Business]

I see more and more people making an effort in gaff releases. Unfortunately I don't think the world will change over night in regards to releasing fish with the gaff. It is a technique I learned this season, thanks to the many many posts (whether pissed off, or informative) on the topic.

I think to start calling anglers out over VHF is asking for trouble, and will likely result in a F*** you. Yes, I think the biggest problem is lack of information in the general public, as to the negative effects of netting and releasing a fish. I think there is still a large majority of fisherman that are on the water and have no clue of the effort SFBC members try to make in getting the point across to the general fishing public. But those efforts can only go as far as the forums, unless it's word of mouth between friends.

A novel idea I think would be to design a sign, much like the red tide warnings and such, that is clearly visible at all marinas and docks. The sign should detail the proper way to release the fish with a gaff, as well as an explanation as to why that form of release is so much more beneficial to the fish.

Fact is that some people just don't give a **** one way or the other. Its a fish, there are lots of them, big deal. But we all know how detrimental an attitude like that can be to stocks. If one person thinks like that, there are 100 more behind him, thinking the same thing.

Don't forget that someone who buys a rubber Catch and Release net will assume that it is a safe net to release fish with. Its better than knot and twine nets but still, not the best option. As mentioned, I think to really make an impact you have to start where every fisherman is at one point, the docks, or the fishing stores.

A little promotion from our local fishing stores (Pac Net and Twine, Gone Fishin', Trotac, Wholesale...ect ect.) would go a long way too. There is no better spot to demonstrate a hands on example of a gaff release (a 5 minute course so to speak), as we all go into these stores to buy the products we use to catch fish (especially coho as that seems to be the hot fish of discussion on the matter). Thoughts Derby??

The threads and posts on this website have made a huge difference, if not for the only reason that people do not want to be put up on the stoning wall because they netted a wild fish. It is making a difference. But more can be done.

Start with those on your boat, learning the technique and hopefully more will follow and word will spread. Before leaving the dock go over with your crew the proper method and let everyone give it a try or two if the chance permits. Once you have the technique down, its hard to even think of using a net. Its just so inefficient!

Be vigilant and polite, things are going in the right direction I think.

 

[Degree of Freedom]

It is a major problem, and one I doubt is going anywhere any time soon. If only DFO could understand the damage this reg is doing...
I've sent a couple letters about this, but don't think they did anything. Less coho would die if the reg was bonk the first two and you're done.

 

[Dragginbait]

You can't get on the radio and "tell" everyone to stop using their nets but you can suggest "trying" their gaff and maybe a quick explanation why if they will listen. Be nice about it and not like your giving orders.

 

[Rockfish]

There is an alternative to the gaff release that works very well. First when fishing for Coho use a lure with a single hook, hootchie or spoon etc. Bring the fish in grab the leader and check it out and if it is not clipped reach down with a pair a of thin long needle nose pliers grab the hook, turn out and remove.

This will only work if your boat does not have a lot of freeboard but few of us own boats that require someone to hold us by the ankles while we do it.

Not everyone is skilled with a gaff and you can do damage with them if you don’t know what you are doing.

There are special long thin stainless pliers made specifically for releasing fish.

Put a cord on it that goes around your wrist so you don't drop it overboard; goes for gaffs also.

 

[Sculpin]

There is an alternative to the gaff release that works very well. First when fishing for Coho use a lure with a single hook, hootchie or spoon etc. Bring the fish in grab the leader and check it out if it is not clipped reach down with a pair a of thin long needle nose pliers grab the hook, turn out and remove.

This will only work if your boat does not have a lot of freeboard but few of us own boats that require someone to hold us by the ankles while we do it.

Not everyone is skilled with a gaff and you can do damage with them if you don’t know what you are doing.

There are special long thin stainless pliers made specifically for releasing fish.

I have both on board and use one or the other for certain situations. The pliers have bent handles so it feels almost natural and is very easy to grab the hook first try. I believe they are Shimano. I really like using the pliers on treble hooks when fishing bait. I like using the gaff when using siwash hooks.

 

[Dragginbait]

If someone on this site is a bit more computer savy than I have, can post up a diagram and a small write up on how and why to use your gaff, I'd print some off and get them laminated and take them to the local marinas, boat launches and stores. It's worth a shot, and maybe some others can do it in their areas as well.

 

[trendsetter]

DFO already has something similar in the Sport Fishing Guide but it doesn't talk about gaffs specifically. It only suggests unhooking fish at the water surface if possible. You may want to take this text and add it to the gaff release diagram. I think someone posted an American flyer that had the instructions for gaff release on another thread.

Techniques to Remember
•Remember: when fishing for salmon, barbless hooks are mandatory.
•Use large lures or artificial baits to reduce the incidental catch of undersize fish.
•Do not overplay the fish, bring it in as quickly as possible.
•For a salmon under 30 cm, unhook it at the water surface to minimize handling.
•For a larger salmon, if it is too difficult to unhook it in the water, bring it onboard, remove the hookquickly and release it. This will cause less stress and damage to the fish.
•Use a soft knotless mesh net to minimize scale loss.
•Handle the fish securely. Keep it immobile while the hook is removed then quickly release it into the water.
•Remove the hook with needle-nose pliers or surgical hemostats.
•Do not touch or handle a fish by its gills.
•To avoid injury, support the fish when lifting by placing one hand around the base of its tail and the other under its belly. Do not lift it by the tail as this will stretch the vertebrae.
•To return the fish to water, release it at a 45° angle with the head pointing down and just above the waterline. If the fish is exhausted, revive it in the water by keeping a grip on its tail; move it back and forth slowly to increase water flow over the gills; wait until it is strong enough to swim out of your hands.
•Some fish may be hooked deep inside the mouth. If this is the case, cut the line as close to the hook as possible and leave it in. The hook will erode in time.

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/points/responsbl-eng.htm

 

[Tips Up]

Should also ban tandem hooks for salmon fishing.
Any one hook. Treble or single.
Tandems kill fish and are totally unnecessary.

Tips

 

[fish stalker]

should be a mandatory item to have on board during a derby

 

[trophywife]

i was educating guests on this as we watched countless careless treatment of coho, almost seemed like the fishers were throwing them back angry cuz they were wild...

 

[Sitkaspruce]

Should also ban tandem hooks for salmon fishing.
Any one hook. Treble or single.
Tandems kill fish and are totally unnecessary.

Tips

I agree!!!!!

Plus they should just make it two coho, no matter wild or not. You get two a day. Would probably save more wild than the stupid hatchery only rule.

Cheers

SS

 

[gunnerlove]

. Less coho would die if the reg was bonk the first two and you're done.

I think less Coho would die if it was bonk the first 4.

 

[renier]

In some USA and Mexico fishing waters it is mandatory to have a dehooker on board for releasing fish,
The recommended tool is the ARC dehooker. Come in different sizes, small to really larg fish/sharks. Can also be used for deep hooked fish. I believe I have seen them at West Marine in Nanaimo last year. Check it out online. Looks very simple to even make for own use with a piece of stainless wire

 

[GDW]

You can make an excellent dehooker out of a wire coat hanger in two minutes. Cut the hanger and bend it straight. Loop one end around for the handle. Use pliers to make a small hook on the other end. Use the hook end to grab your fishing hook pull to one side with the dehooker and pull your leader to the other side. Same as gaffe only it's even easyier especially if the fish is hooked deep. No need for SS wire we all have old coat hangers lying around.

 

[Hindsight]

TroTac catch and release net for salmon great for Coho, used it for 3 years now and would recommend, we also us it for Chinook up to 25 lbs

 

[Big Green Machine]

Lots of people use bigger catch and release bag nets to contain the fish but leave them in the water so the fish's weight s supported by the water. Just because you see a net from a 100 yards away, does not mean that the fish is being plopped onto the floor, stepped on and being picked up and held out of the water for 1 minute for a photo. A safe release also means minimizing the movement and thrashing of a fish,which a proper net can do. I've seen fish released with a gaff that is not good. If you know he, great. But fr soe people, a proper net left in the water is better.