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Conference wahoo::fishing

Title:Fishing Notes- Archived
Notice:See note 555.1 for a keyword directory of this conference
Moderator:DONMAC::MACINTYRE
Created:Fri Feb 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Sep 20 1991
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1660
Total number of notes:20970

72.0. "The Case for Catch and Release" by FELIX::SCHOLZ (Ron....and thanks for all the fish) Fri Feb 28 1986 16:20

			<<<<FLAME OFF>>>>

Since Spring is on the way and many of us are just chomp'en on the bit
and can't wait for the time we can get out and get our lines wet, I felt
that maybe a article on "Catch and Release" would be appropriate.

We all know that Spring fishing is catching pre-spawing or spawing fish,
and this is one of the only times of the year that the "big" ones come
out of their lairds and can be easily caught (at least easier than the
rest of the year). Now some who read this may care or not, but I would
like to push the case for catch and release. This is not meant to be a
sermon, but a statement of where I am on this subject, some of the reasons
for it, and some tips for those of you who might agree with me, but not
be completly familar with some of the do's and don'ts. Support from those
of you who already practice this would be welcome.

While I am an avowed "Bass" fisherman and have been at this sport since
I was two years old (my father told me and took movies to prove it), I
think that this practice should cover all fish and not just bass. But
my experience has been mainly with bass and this is the species I'm most
interested in. For those that feel other species of fish are important,
I would hope that you could share the same feelings for your "fish".
(If I happen to catch a Trout while spinning for a bass, I'm just as
careful about how I release it as I am about releasing the bass I catch)

Some preliminary data: From my own experience I can tell that the average
size of fish caught is on the decline. This is backed up by many articles
in various fishing magazines and outdoor magazines, so I think that I can
state it as a fact. Why? The answer is really simple. More fisherman and
better technology and technique. With the added pressure, more fish are
being "smoked" (killed) and the populations are in rapid decline. I have
to add one disclaimer to this and that is the "newly" managed lakes in
the rest of the country (not Mass, or New England however). These lakes
have shown some remarkable come-backs in as little as two years. Since
this state and the general area don't want to spend the time or money
to do anything, it seems to me that it is going to be up to the fisherman
who use these lakes to do it, or suffer the consequences. (Stocking programs
not with standing)

Some more data: Most of us think in terms of catching fish and not many of
us are "trophy" hunters. This means that we just like the sport of catching
fish and some of us like to eat them too. This becomes more important in
the spring as we will be catching both male and female fish getting ready
to spawn or on the nests. The average survival rate for "fry" is one out
of every thousand hatched (in the lakes). Now if you take a female out of
the water before spawn you have actually caught ten to twenty fish at once.
She will lay 10,000 - 20,000 eggs, and even more if over 5 lbs. I'll just
keep this conservative. She will mate 3 - 5 times. If you take a male out
of the lake before spawn, no real damage will occur at that time. If you 
take him from off the nest durning spawn you will have caught 3 - 5 fish.
The average spawn is 3,000 to 5,000 eggs per nest. It can go as high as
20,000 per nest, but this is usally a big female. So you can easily see
that the one fish you catch at this time of the year is not really one fish,
but many........... I could go on and recite more facts and figures, but I
don't think that's needed. It seems to me that the logic of it all is easy
to see. By returning the female, properly, to the water you certainly increase
the future survivial of the sport, and by returning the male you help insure
the next few years at least.

(I have to add this note. If you take a female out of the water that goes
over 5 - 6 lbs you may have caught as many as 100 fish at the same time.
She will lay as many as 100,000 eggs).

So, those are a few of my reasons for supporting "catch and release". The
real bottom line is I want my grandkids to be able to enjoy what I consider
one of the greatest sports available to man, just as I did when I was growing
up. All of my kids do today and I'm really looking forward to helping the
next generation learn to fish also. Maybe this is selfish on my part, but
I don't think so. I'm really talking about all of "your" grandkids too.

Okay, now for some tips for some of you who might like them. I think alot
of us enjoy "fighting" a fish on light tackle and seeing it jump and such,
but how many realize that after we boat the fish and even release it that
we have put a fish back in the water that has a 5% chance of surviving.
By simply using a little heavier tackle and not playing the fish "out" we
can increase it's chances for making it. The faster you boat the fish the
better shape it will be in when you release it. I know this reduces the "fun",
and some may say it not "sporting", but I think you have to consider the
gains. You may catch that fish again two or three times. I've personally 
caught the same fish twice within 15 minutes.( go ahead, ask how I know...
it broke off at the boat and when I caught it again, it still had my hook
and worm in it's mouth) Now that was a healthly fish....................
A played out bass is extremely weak and much more sensitive to pH shock,
temperature changes and the like.

Most people understand that you should grab a hooked bass by it's lower
jaw, but merely taking hold of the lower lip doesn't immobilize it. When
you clasp the jaw, bend it down to force open the mouth. This will paralyze
the bass and allow you to get the hook out easily and quickly. Sometimes
you may have trouble with a big fish working with one hand. In this case
never lay a bass down on boat carpet to unhook it. This will kill the fish
in short order, especially in hot weather. The abrasive carpet will eat
it's protective slime layer away, leaving it highly susceptible to bacterial
infection. Instead, take the fish by lower jaw as above, and lay it "gently"
against your leg and bend the fish. This will completly immobilize it and
allow you to take the hook out easily.

For those of you who net fish, here's a tip. Only use the net to get the fish
from the water to the boat. Never lay the net on the deck (see above) carpet.
Get the fish out of the net quickly. Don't try and unhook the fish in the net.
Don't let the fish "thrash" around in the net as this will injure the slime
layer and may break it's fins. A fish with a broken fin can't swim away anymore
than you could walk away with a broken leg. Don't worry about lures tangled in
the net. Take those out later. 

Because some fisherman like to keep there catch in a live well instead of
releasing them immediately, so they don't spook the rest of the school and 
some like to eat their catch (after spawn I hope) and also use the live
well for this, I have a couple of tips. Some people even cull their catch
where it isn't illegal and I wish it were, but mores the pity it isn't
illegal in all states and it's never illegal in a tournament. Of course the
"pros" already know these things so it's not a big deal. Water temperature
below 55 degrees is not a problem, but when it gets over this there is a
little know fact that can come into play. pH. Water above 55 becomes stratified
and hence varies. If you move from one place on the lake to another and
shortly there after open your live well, you may find all your fish belly up.
They died from pH shock. The change from where you caught them and where you
now are was to much. It can change as much as 10 points. So, by either
releasing fish where you caught them "before" moving or moving slowly you
can avoid this problem. Adding Jungle Lab formulas to your live well is
also another good way to enhance fish survival. They work and even help
those fish that you do release. The names are "Catch and Release" (cute -
huh?) and "Bait Life". The're maybe others I don't know. They help to sedate
the fish and lower his metabolic rate so if you do move fast (and please
plug the live well if you do) the effects of pH changes will be lessened.
They also help reduce the thrashing of fish in the box and therefore damage
to it.

And now for my favorite petpieve. When fishing with live bait or other small
lures the fish may actually swallow the bait and be hooked in the gut or
even the gills. Two things here; never use gold hooks and please just cut
the line rather than try and get the hook out. All hooks "except" gold will
rust away in 2-3 days and cause no harm to the fish. The cost of a hook is 
pennies and just by trying to get it out you may harm the fish beyond it's
ability to heal. If you hook the fish in the side or gill area when using
crank baits or such, put these fish into the live well and treat them with
the above mentioned formulas. These contain chemicals that foster the growth
of slime and help prevent bacterial infections in the wound(s). Bye the bye,
these formulas are not expensive and I think a cheap investment for the sport.
You'll spend more for the six-pack than these and a bottle will last a season.

That should do it. I hope that these tips help out and aren't taken in the
wrong way.

Tight lines, Ron (still_waiting_for_Spring)
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
72.1DON'T SQUEEZE THE FISHNERMAL::FRASHERFri Feb 28 1986 18:2518
    This is roughly taken from Fly Fisherman's "How to Catch Trout"
    and it will also appear somewhere in EKLV00::FLYFISH.
    
    When trying to unhook a trout, hold it upside down (on its back).
    The muscles in a trouts back are much stronger than its stomach
    muscles and can withstand the pressure exerted by gravity out of
    the water.  If you hold it right side up, you can damage internal
    organs and kill the fish.  DON'T SQUEEZE IT.  When the fish is upside
    down, it somewhat immobilizes it and it won't flop around so much.
    The mag also says to leave it in the net.  I can understand the
    net causing slime damage, but you can get a better grip without
    having to squeeze.  Judgement call???  
    
    If you are going to release a fish, please be gentle.  Fish are
    fragile.
    
    Spence
72.2Ron...and thanks for the tipsSPMFG1::CUZZONESSat Mar 01 1986 14:0222
    I have learned a lot in the last week between Ron's note and an
    article by Roland Martin (I think) in the Spring (Feb/Mar) edition
    of In-Fisherman.
                                         
    I have been reading lately in the paper (Springfield Mass) of hearings
    on the establishment/expansion of catch and release areas on local
    rivers; the Deerfield and Westfield, both fine waters for trout.
    And, I was getting indignant about being told what I could and couldn't
    do.  Personally, I throw 'em all back and I figure most other fishermen
    do too.  What I didn't realize was why catch and release was becoming
    more a law than a practice.  There aren't as many fish as there
    used to be and they're not as big as they used to be.  My kids fish
    and I am thrilled to share the experience with them.  I want all
    of us to enjoy that experience today, tomorrow and for future
    generations.  I urge all of you to throw 'em back before the day
    comes when it's illegal to keep any or maybe even catch any.
    
    Ron, thanks for the info.  I'm sure it will result in many more
    fish being released and surviving.  I know it will have an impact
    on the ones I return to the water.
               
    Steve
72.3Pollution not the Angler for blameANGORA::BUSHEEGeorge BusheeMon Mar 03 1986 08:4718
    	RE: .0
    
    	I fully support "catch-and-release", however, I don't agree
    	with Ron as to the cause of the decline in fish and their size.
    	While I do know of a few ponds(mostly) that have been fished
    	dry, most of the waters that "used" to be good, but now are
    	marginal at best were caused by pollution not the angler. One
    	example off the top of my head is in Ashburnham, over the last
    	5-7 years this body of water has gone from good Bassin to dead
    	due to acid rain, not over fishing as most of the fishing was
    	done only by land owners on the lake and there weren't that
    	many. It was also stocked by the state with trout, but due to
    	the acid problem is no longer. I have a friend who works for
    	the state dept. of wildlife doing the stocking and he feels
    	the same about the decline.
    
    	George_B.
72.4"1" for the wall and "1" for supper...TORCH::MACINTYREMon Mar 03 1986 09:1512
    I agree with most of what has been said.  However, I admit, I'm
    still looking for that "ONE" trophy - I want "ONE" lunker on my wall.
    
    I also eat fish - the ones I will not eat that same day, I throw
    back.  But it only takes "one" 2-3 pond bass to feed my fiancee and
    I.  I enjoy bringing home supper, after all God put those fish here to
    be eaten.
    
    Besides that, I feel most fish should be released.  More than once
    I have seen people keep fish and have them end up in the garbage.
    
    don mac
72.5and you shall hear the word...BAXTA::BOTTOM_DAVIDMon Mar 03 1986 14:427
    Right on !!!! Catch and release is one way to be sure the fishing
    is there tommorrow......please stress this with everyone you fish
    with.
    
    tight lines.....
    
    dave
72.6catch and release the only way !!COMET::HUNTERJACKWed Mar 05 1986 23:358
    Way to be Ron,
    I agree with you totaly about release durring spawning season. I
    would also like to say that I have not kept a fish (trout) under
    20 inches in the last three years, I to would like to leave my kids
    and theirs the resorces to enjoy the best sport in the world thanks
    for your concern and for sharing your experince.
    
                                                      Jack Hunter
72.7Pollution and YOU.....FELIX::SCHOLZRon....and thanks for all the fishFri Mar 07 1986 14:4731
    George in .3 pointed out something that I think should have more
    comment made on it. I left out some facts and figures when I wrote
    the base note and Pollution was one of them. The major reason that
    I left it out, is because this (acid rain) is "mainly" a New England
    problem (shared with Canada) and I was writting to a larger audience.
    
    Other areas of the country don't share (lucky them) this particular
    concern with us and their main problem, besides Pop-Tops, is over
    fishing as mentioned. Not that that is the only reason, but it is
    much more major. They too have the waste problems, and man made
    fish killers to contend with.
    
    Okay, we have this problem here....acid rain. The following is an
    unabashed solisitation of support to help rid us of this problem.
    We all know that it is caused by the burning of high sulfur coal
    in the Midwest, and that the fumes rise to combine with water vapor
    in the air and the winds blow this stuff over us and it falls into
    out water supplies (same ones we drink from as the fish do) as acid
    (sulfuric). Anyone with a pH meter can measure this. Waters that
    do not flow are the most likely to be damaged quickly, but all water
    is affected. I see it in the lakes I fish as more and more, or lower
    and lower pH every year (not much, just a couple of points...but
    enough).
    
    Now how do you help. Write your congressman, rep and sen. JOIN B.A.S.S.
    This organization is one of the prime voices in the fight against
    pollution of any kind, and especially acid rain. And yes, I am a
    life time member (#33740493), so I have put my money where my mouth
    is. Please, lets do more than lement over it.
    
    On this one, Just Ron
72.8B.A.S.S.????MIRACL::MAKRIANISMon Mar 10 1986 10:077
    
    
    Ron,
    	Could you please tell me (us?) what B.A.S.S. is and how to get
    	information on joining this organization?
    
    Patty
72.9B.A.S.S.... One Answer for Those That CareFELIX::SCHOLZRon....and thanks for all the fishMon Mar 10 1986 11:3620
    Patty and anyothers interested,
    
    I'll be more than happy to expound on this.
    If anyother members out there want to chip in, please feel welcome.
    
    B.A.S.S. stands for Bass Anglers Sportman's Society.
    As an organization, it's dedicated to the preservation of fishing
    (mainly bass, but including all types) and the sharing if information
    on the sport. It runs the B.A.S.S. tournaments held around the country
    for professionals and through it's local chapters (joined separately)
    local, state, and regional tournaments. It is one of the major lobbies
    for anti-pollution and fish management programs. This is done through
    the Bass Research Foundation.
    
    I have more to give you, but I have to give you, but I have to run
    right now. I'll finish this later with the benifits you get from
    joining this very worthwhile organizations.
    
    Tight lines, Ron (and thanks for the interest)
72.10More on B.A.S.S.TORCH::MACINTYREDon Mac, DECmate S/W DevelopmentMon Mar 10 1986 13:0214
Bedides the postive roll that BASS plays for the sport of bass fishing, 
BASS membership includes Bassmaster magazine.  As stated in an earlier note, 
it is slightly geared for those who *have*.  But, other than the occasional 
article that makes me feel like I might as well give up -- because my entire 
outfit consists of a canoe, paddle, rod&reel, net, tackle box, and a cooler 
-- instead of a $20,000 dollar boat that needs a microvax to deal with all of 
the electronics -- it is a very good magazine!

New members get a few worms, a small roll of stren, a buzzbait, a small not 
too shabby guide on bass'n, and a few other benefits.

Also, if you let us members introduce you, we get a hat or a belt buckle or 
something of the sort!
								don mac
72.11...and even more on B.A.S.S.FELIX::SCHOLZRon....and thanks for all the fishMon Mar 10 1986 17:0465
    Alright, to continue.......Don mentioned a few things and while
    I agree that the magazine is loaded with "expensive" toys and articles
    on their use, most of the stuff can be used by people in a canoe
    or a ranger......Great articles by the pros, and loaded with "how
    to" stuff. You get 9 issues with two of them called "bonus" issues
    dealing with all that's new.........and hot and costs money!!
    
    Now, some details. Cost is $15.00 per year, with reduced rates for
    two and three year memberships. Life time is now $250.00, I think.
    (put it in your youngest kids name and get a whole lot more for the
    bucks)
    
    You get a personal membership package which includes a embroidered
    B.A.S.S. emblem, membership card, a decal for boat or tackle box
    and a member handbook. (I'm copying this from the promo sheet -
    so bear with some of the phasing)
    
    Fishing information service. (hey Don...here's another for your
    trip) Write B.A.S.S. headquarters for the lastest information on
    hot fishing spots, lakes, motels, marinas and guide services. They
    will put you into touch with one of their volunteer information
    people.
    
    As a member of B.A.S.S. you support the BASS Reserach Foundation
    and many other conservation and enviornmental efforts.
    
    As a member you're invited to all national functions including
    qualifying B.A.S.S. Tournaments.
    
    Local affiliated chapters offer members the opportunity for personal
    fellowship and idea exchange with other bass fishermen.
    
    Introduce new members (Don mentioned this......and I'll volunteer
    to supply the stamp for anyone interested) and receive free bassin'
    gifts.
    
    As a member you receive free, a $1000 dollar reward sticker for your
    boat, and B.A.S.S. will pay anyone $1000 for information leading
    to the arrest and conviction of the thief.
    
    When you renew your membership, you will receive a FREE bass bonus.
    (these are what Don mentioned.....worms, extra patches & decals,
    and some other baits.....the amount depends on how many years you
    renew for)
    
    Hertz Rental Car discounts on all rentals of their cars. Just show
    the membership card.
    
    They also make boat owner insurance available at "reduced" rates.
    (Met Pay is cheaper for me)
    
    So, there are the "offical" B.A.S.S. beni's. Actually, I think that
    the Magazine is worth the money alone. The rest is just frosting
    on the cake. The support they give to the enviornmental issues is
    the "biggest" plus from joining. Currently there are over 400k members
    and growing. This makes for a loud voice when you need it.
    
    If you want to join by yourself (i.e. don't use us to get you in)
    you do get some extras (lures). If you use a member, he gets a gift
    and you just get the basic package. Membership forms are in all
    the fishing magazines, or you can send me (by e-net) your name and
    address and I'll send it in. (my total is eight so far and counting
    - I do work at this)
    
    Good luck and tight lines, Ron (oh those big ones are calling me)
72.12TORCH::MACINTYREDon Mac, DECmate S/W DevelopmentTue Mar 11 1986 08:424
    Hey, thanks Ron, I forgot all about using BASS for info... I'll
    send them a line and see what they have say, have you ever used
    them for this type of info?  I'll respond back and let everyone
    know how they help me...		don mac
72.13B.A.S.S. The Info Center....FELIX::SCHOLZRon....and thanks for all the fishTue Mar 11 1986 09:226
    Don,
    
    No, I have never used them for this, nor do I know anyone who has,
    so you'll be a good test case. Looking forward to your results.
    
    Ron
72.14look id dat hawgTORCH::MACINTYREDon Mac, DECmate S/W DevelopmentThu Mar 13 1986 14:4618
Ok, I sent out a request in this morning's mail to BASS's info center,
    we'll see how they do... I'll respond back here, as soon as I hear
    from them.  
    
    Oh yea, I also sent out a letter to Roland's Marina, asking if they
    do any guide service, I didn't actually ask for Roland himself,
    but I kind oh hinted!  I addressed it to him, c/o of the marina!
    He'll probably never even see it, but what the hell, got nothing
    to lose by asking...  No biggy if I don't hear from him, probably
    just as well, I don't know if I could listen to eight hours of:
    
    "ooh boy, that's a biig fish, hees a hawg, wooo weee, yes siree that's 
    a biig fish, BOY, heez a hoss, look at that big fish, ....."
                                                               
    						don mac
72.15ASGMKB::TOMASJoeThu Mar 13 1986 15:033
    What I hear all the time on TV is..."yup...that's a goodun..."
    
    -Joe-
72.16Trout UnlimitedBAXTA::BOTTOM_DAVIDFri Mar 14 1986 09:438
    Another organization that is fighting acid rain is Trout Unlimited,
    once a somewhat elitist flyfishing organization, TU is now beginning
    to support the bait or spinner fisherman as well. Along with membership
    comes Trout a magazine that comes out quarterly and is very good.
    
    tight lines and leafe a few big ones for us...
    
    dave