Okay we talked about recreational mortality on last months BBS, how about sharing some of the things we do to make c&r easier.
Starting with my regular trolling gear, I replace the treble hooks with single Siwashs with the barbs bent down. Most of my lures accomodate this change well and still run okay. Be sure to check them at trolling speed after you make the change, as some lures will run differently.
In the early '80's I fished bluefish on downrigger rods. 99% of the fish were released, and I used mostly bombers, jawbreakers and some rapalas. I replaced the hooks with a single siwash at the rear, with no barb. When a fish came to the transom of the boat, I was able to run the hook of the gaff down the line, till it reached the bend of the hook, when it would neatly flip the hook out of the fishes mouth. No handling of the fish, no removing the fish from tthe water. On rare occassions, the hook would need to be pulled with pliers. Anyone tried that technique? I don't use it for stripers, and would be interested in hearing the benefits of reviving the fish vs. quick release without contact.
Live bait is a special problem. In the '70's when we used to fish live pogies as much as possible, the trick was to leave the reel in free spool until the bass finished his first run, stopped, turned the bait around and swallowed it. Excellent hook up ratio, but it was designed for 100% mortality fishing. Now when I fish live pogies, I wait until a count of 4-6, then strike. Usually get a lip hook, but loose more fish as they don't always have the hook. Anyone using circle hooks with live bait?
BTW, for anyone who doubts the viability of barbless hooks, I don't attribute any increase in lost fish to them. I find I get better hook penetration, which allows the hook to hold better. I'm also more concious of keeping pressure on the fish. I do acknowledge that barbless might not work for fast movers like bonito. I've fished barbless with countless first timers and they never seemed to have a problem keeping the fish on the line.
In the long run, flies tend to be taken deep much less often. My only concern is that the light nature of fly tackle may increase the stress on the fish. Obviously, care in reviving worn out fish needs to be excercised. Also anything you can do to shorten the battle, or put more pressure on the fish. Any comments?
Enough from me for now, interested in your thoughts.