Release Them Right
- Thread starter jwood99
- Start date
searun
Well-Known Member
Here's the website, which contains links to some of the research and other helpful tools/videos. https://www.sportfishing.bc.ca/release-them-right
The best practices noted in the research comes after extensive testing of various types of fishing gear and handling practices. Including, for example, testing the effects of various types of the so called soft mesh "release nets." The evidence gathered provided in some cases interesting myth busters, including the positive effectiveness of using soft release nets - which have now been proven to actually do more harm by creating fin damage and scale loss that within a week or so following release is an entry way for nasty pathogens that will in some cases can lead to mortality.
So one take away learning is don't net fish, instead use a gaff release at the waterline without touching or handling the fish whenever possible.
Hook size also played a role, with smaller hook gap causing fewer eye injuries (3/0 or smaller recommended).
This research was aimed at identifying which practices where good, or bad not to establish a measure of FRIM (Fishery Related Incidental Mortality). From there the findings informed development of some best practices which are all covered in the research and on the SFI website.
Some further new research themes have been identified to now take the best practices and go out onto the water putting those into practice and measure the combined positive effects. This may lead to future discussion as to how to put those best practices into place across the fishery either through education and awareness, regulation or a combination of both.
The best practices noted in the research comes after extensive testing of various types of fishing gear and handling practices. Including, for example, testing the effects of various types of the so called soft mesh "release nets." The evidence gathered provided in some cases interesting myth busters, including the positive effectiveness of using soft release nets - which have now been proven to actually do more harm by creating fin damage and scale loss that within a week or so following release is an entry way for nasty pathogens that will in some cases can lead to mortality.
So one take away learning is don't net fish, instead use a gaff release at the waterline without touching or handling the fish whenever possible.
Hook size also played a role, with smaller hook gap causing fewer eye injuries (3/0 or smaller recommended).
This research was aimed at identifying which practices where good, or bad not to establish a measure of FRIM (Fishery Related Incidental Mortality). From there the findings informed development of some best practices which are all covered in the research and on the SFI website.
Some further new research themes have been identified to now take the best practices and go out onto the water putting those into practice and measure the combined positive effects. This may lead to future discussion as to how to put those best practices into place across the fishery either through education and awareness, regulation or a combination of both.
jwood99
Well-Known Member
Thank you. I also posted the link to the full report on the video!
Thanks for posting this, It should encourage all us to release fish the right way, in the water. The TV fishing shows could educate anglers the proper releasing methods instead of holding the fish up for the glory shot that they always seem to do.
jwood99
Well-Known Member
I’ll be doing the same!
jwood99
Well-Known Member
I agree 100%. Help educate others on how to help keep fish alive after a catch!
searun
Well-Known Member
There has been outreach to various fishing shows to share this new research. Like anything new, it takes some time for people to learn more, develop a clear understanding of the best practices and why certain things are driving either good or bad outcomes for fish released. Then comes adoption and putting those new skills and practices into use within their new shows. Fairly confident going forward we will see a lot of these best practices on new episodes which will really enhance outreach, education and broader adoption across our fishing community.
jwood99
Well-Known Member
Definitely
I hope you are right and going forward we will see a lot of these best practices on new episodes. I just watched a show this morning and they did everything wrong as far as releasing the fish, with all the pressures we are facing within the sport fishery I think it is time for them to do it right and also what a good tool it would be to to educate anglers.
searun
Well-Known Member
Quite likely the episode was filmed prior to release of the study results. Based on my interactions with each over past seasons, I can attest that all the BC based fishing show hosts are very dedicated thoughtful representatives of the recreational fishery. Totally confident they will adopt and demonstrate best fish handling and release practices as we all go forward on this journey to learn and adapt our fishing practices to optimize post release survival.
wolf
Well-Known Member
Well where we are we have to measure a damn fish so kinda a mute point, BUT will add I have a rubber coated net and I have a mark on top of cooler where max size is. I place on top measure if its too big still in net as I dont want to handle that fish if its too big back in water and reach over take out hook . I cant SEE any other way. As im not handling fish and I do it as gentle as I can .
All others get let go with gaff I have a gaff on both sides of boat for these reason.
I have said this for years and years and hear its ok fish swam away just fine after I held it up and my buddies held it up for pictures.
All others get let go with gaff I have a gaff on both sides of boat for these reason.
I have said this for years and years and hear its ok fish swam away just fine after I held it up and my buddies held it up for pictures.
searun
Well-Known Member
The research clearly found that ANY net caused significant damage to fins, which didn't immediately lead to mortality however within 5+ days lead to fin rot and death.
In terms of measuring fish beside the boat, I have been using a cedar stick attached to tuna chord so I can drop the measure stick in the water and pull the fish alongside the boat to get a measurement.
Another interesting tool being tested (so far quite successfully) is a soft plastic cradle. You can steer the fish into the cradle, and the soft plastic bag (no mesh) doesn't cause fin damage or scale loss associated with any form of landing net - including the soft mesh or rubber mesh nets.
The UBC research clearly demonstrated that no handling at all is the best release method using a gaff to effectively remove the hook while the fish is in the water alongside the vessel.
In terms of measuring fish beside the boat, I have been using a cedar stick attached to tuna chord so I can drop the measure stick in the water and pull the fish alongside the boat to get a measurement.
Another interesting tool being tested (so far quite successfully) is a soft plastic cradle. You can steer the fish into the cradle, and the soft plastic bag (no mesh) doesn't cause fin damage or scale loss associated with any form of landing net - including the soft mesh or rubber mesh nets.
The UBC research clearly demonstrated that no handling at all is the best release method using a gaff to effectively remove the hook while the fish is in the water alongside the vessel.
wolf
Well-Known Member
Good thing I dont get many I have to measure, and the short release near boat helps...
fishbadger
Active Member
Thanks for sharing, I haven't watched the video but I will. Gaff releasing is easy for me too, with the one exception of chovie rigs with a treble, those are a real bugger sometimes if they get it deep or with more than one hook. Combine that with a real big spring that comes to the boat green and it's a rodeo for me sometimes. I have a big thick glove to use on my "line" hand for just such an emergency. Of course I don't have that issue at home in 'merica, barbless singles is a cinch,
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Sharphooks
Well-Known Member
I am quietly gob-smacked that people in this day and age would even think of having to use a treble hook with any lure or bait, either for salt chuck or fresh water fishing. It also blows my mind that DFO didn’t come down on the use of trebles decades ago. You can’t use them for steelhead in fresh water——why should they still be in use in the salt chuck????
I have used anchovies for 4 straight seasons now. My experience—- Zero reason to rig them with trebles. They fish just fine with either a single hook or tandem singles like a plug-cut herring, either with or without the Rhys Davis helmet
A 3/0 tandem rig on an anchovy results in a nice clean gaff-release on any size fish, No fuss, lickety-split.
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