How to Release/April 2011
Barbless hooks are the best choice for all fishing. They do less damage to fish, are easier to remove and better for the angler when we hook ourselves. Try to land the fish quickly. Handle the fish as little as possible—never touch the red filament inside the gill plate. Keep the fish in the water or return it to the water quickly. Be sure the fish is strong enough to swim away with ease. Usually small fish are ready to go but bigger fish might need time to recover. That’s why it’s important to pressure the fish once they start to slow down. When the fish is close, apply good pressure to bring it to hand while it is still swimming well. Fish that are totally exhausted have little chance of surviving. Other than a fish that is hooked in a sensitive area, survival rate decreases drastically if a fish fights to a point where it rolls on its side. If a fish starts to look weak or unsteady in the water hold the fish by the tail, or jaw if it’s a striper, and move it back and forth in the water. Fish that revive well will often pull away once they are ready to go. Stripers will often start to bite down on your finger when they begin to feel lively. But be patient and be sure that the fish fully recovered before releasing it.
Release hardtails by moving the tail back and forth quickly. I use a fast, hard motion both back and forth and sideways to give them a good jump-start. The faster you can land them the better it is for the fish. If the fish does not revive quickly often the only way to revive them is to shoot them into the water like throwing a dart. This often gives them a shot of air and they will usually bolt way quickly. But this is a last resort. Fight them hard and get them back into the water quickly.
If you want photos keep the fish in the water and lift it into the air for about 10 to 15 seconds. Long exposure to air can effect their gills and some fish stop breathing once they are in the air. Remember hardtails must be swimming to breathe so between shots keep them moving. Stripers are fine holding in the water if they are upright, but be ready with the camera and keep it short—a dead fish is not worth a photo.
Regards,
Lou Tabory and the Albright Pro Staff
