I had a client last season who took about 10 minutes to land this 21" Bow, and then was adamant about taking this poor tired fish, and putting him on the dry ground next to his rod long enough to take a couple of pictures. Well, sorry but I refused, and honestly, I always grimace when I see pictures like this on the net.
Do you all think that is detrimental to the fish? I know all the caveats, but let’s say an angler is VERY proficient at playing and landing a trout with a rubber net. Is the fish going to be worse off, or just the same as if the same angler put it on the bank to take a picture? What does it do to their fragile slime coats?
VERY VERY VERY detrimental to the fish. NEVER NEVER NEVER let anyone do that to a fish. Even better if you never touch the fish at all. DID I MENTION ITS BAD FOR THE FISH? If he insists, rub his arm raw with 60 grit sandpaper. He’ll get the drift.
If flyfishing were a sin, I’de be the devil’s right hand man.
If I take a picture, and it’s not very often that I do, I prefer to keep the fish in shallow water, laying on its side and lay the rod/reel in the water next to it. Doesn’t hurt the rod/reel, and the fish doesn’t get scraped on dry ground.
I do not think the rubber nets are too dangerous to the fish…I don’t use a net anyway…but putting a fish on dry ground definitely is bad for the fish.
“If firearms cause crimes and kill people, all of the ones I have must be defective.”
[This message has been edited by Spud (edited 02 May 2005).]
Let’s forget about the health of the little fishy, it’s a bad picture. It’s a picture of a fish out of water! The very definition of bad composition. The water and fish together make the picture.
My silly point is that if you are trying to convince someone that it’s a bad way to take the picture point out that it’s a bad picture…they obviously care more about the picture than the fish already. Sort of an Aikido thing. Use their own inertia. How many pictures of fish lying next to our rods do we need after all…take a chance with the camera and image.
Have fun
Paul
[This message has been edited by P.Dieter (edited 02 May 2005).]
You can get some great pictures of fish/rod by laying him in your net in 5 inches of water (clear water). Just lay your reel in there beside the fish, the fish never leaves the water, and the picture has a nice look to it!
Any fish in contact with dry bank/rocks/grass - is a fish that has a lot of his slime layer missing when released, and has a good chance of becoming diseased and dying. I used to take some baaaad pictures of fish… and I am ashamed of it now.
At first, I felt like a grumpy guide, but I’m glad I held to my principles. I always crinch when I see a fish lying on dry ground next to a rod. After all, even the best landing and releasing technique will kill a few fish in a season, so anything I can do to ensure the fish survives, I’m there.
I try my best “NOT” to touch the fish at all… (mostly finger to mouth to remove hook)… but there has been a ew where I put the fish on the bank or in inch or two of water… just to get to the hook…
This bank thing will not happen with me again…
BTW… I dont use a net at any time!!
so I guess I could bring up this question…
for those who are alot like me… and dont use a net…
Who wets their hand before touching the fish???
I watched a steelheader catch a big one yesterday. He did a great job. He brought the fish in quick, 5-6 inches of water, trapped it between his legs (kneeling). Removed the hook with hemostats, then tailed the fish upright till it swam away.
No need to take a picture even though it was a great fish!
Paul H.
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“A dry fly on the rise is the beauty mark of a lovely river.”
The fact is… most fisherman are not up to speed on fish care in and out of the water (out of the water would be dinner)I think that most fisher’s would do it differant if they new why and how. I have not checked the arckives to see if FAOL has done a piece on fish care.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size=“1” face=“Verdana”>quote:</font><HR>for those who are alot like me… and dont use a net…
Who wets their hand before touching the fish???<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Leonard,
I always love this one. Can you explain to me how (save lifting the fish into the air with the rod or a net) how you can grab a fish without wetting your hand first?
I like to say that if holding someone underwater for a minute or two while removing your outer layer of skin is okay, then its okay to do the reverse to fish.
I think you did right with your client. Might also explain your thought process to them so they can take that home along with their memories.
Another thoght is to take their photos while they are reviving the fish. A quick out-snap the pic-return to water will be less than the 3 second rule, easily. I have heard of guides taking a series of photos during the day and sending their client a CD after the trip. It is not an expensive proposition and does wonders for building return and referral business. First photo on every CD is your logo and advertisement!
On another note, I still hope to get out your way and see your home waters. Not this year, but maybe next.
First let me say that some of the fish I catch are for filet and release purposes. I make no apologies for that. I have never caught a fresh water trout but after a trip to the Georgia mountains in March I would like to give it a try some time.
He in Fla where saltwater is the name of the game I have three rules. #1 Handle the fish as little as possible. #2 Never hold the fish in a verticle manner as their organs are not intended to be suspended in that manner. #3 On a fish that someone else wants to photograph, the fish can stay out of the water for as long as they can hold their breath.
If I catch something that I don’t intend to keep it never leaves the water. I reach down with forceps or needlenose pliars and just turn the hook.
Tight lines,
Rusty <><
if you wanna catch something ya gotta get a hook in the water
I’ve always felt a little guilty that I haven’t mastered or tried to master the wire-like hook disengagers that I’ve seen some people seem to use well.
At least 50% of the time I fish from a drift boat and use a net I never carry one when wading just can’t stand all the crap on my vest. I do feel if you do the best you can to keep a fish in the water or get him back as fast as you can, you have done well and are not to be faulted. I have been at fault trying for that Kodak moment as I am sure most of us have. I have also gill and gut hooked fish with small nymphs that I have hurt trying to retrieve my fly. The fact is C&R is never 100% and never will be.Just do the best you can and help other to do the same.
Use their own inertia. How many pictures of fish lying next to our rods do we need after all…take a chance with the camera and image.
