Hook startegies to save the small fall run fish

[jkjnp]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

My approach to smaller fish is I simply don't target them. This isn't to suggest I don't incidentally catch them, but most of my gear and technique is geared towards big stuff. I typically won't start the fishing season until mid may(when the big migrants arrive), and will avoid the late season daytime fishing, which is mostly micros. A couple other suggestions though...

1. Don't pad your numbers by standing at the shore banging 10 or 20 or 50 plus tiny fish just to say you caught a bunch. Let them be or quit earlier...how many do you really need to catch anyways?

2. If you're really in need, get an ultralight and catch some bluegills, they pull just as hard provided you scale the gear down. A 15" fish on an 8',9', or 10' surf rod just isn't sporting.

3. Give it a rest at some point...guys chase the fish throughout the winter in their natal waters, thus the fish never get a break, regardless of size.

4. Fish bigger offerings if you're among a lot of small fish. Many here frown on eels, but utilizing them is a great way to keep the small fish from being hooked in large numbers.

5. Take a lesson from Numbskull and target something really challenging such as a sea robin with a topwater plug...how many here can say they've ever done it successfully?

Back Beach-
I don't know you personally, and I've been more of a lurker here than anything else for the past few years so I apologize if I'm writing out of turn here, but... this post makes you sound like a bit of a fishing snob.
I don't see how there is any true difference between fishing for small fish or large. When you fish you are putting a hook in a fishes mouth. You very well MAY kill it. If you don't like that then don't fish.
You prefer to target big fish. You only fish at night, from mid-may blah blah blah...
Me, I like to fish. Period. I love the ocean and don't care if I catch a thing. I'm a huge supporter of conservation and release nearly all of the bass I catch, but come on don't tell me how to fish.

[Clogston29]

responsible = snob

i agree with everything BB said. there's always going to be some mortality from fishing, but we might as well try to limit it. catching schoolie after schoolie just really isn't worth it to alot of people. if you want to do it, at least use a single hook and crush the barb.

[afterhours]

not being judgemental, just my own thing- i don't fish for dinks.

[jkjnp]

Originally Posted by afterhours

not being judgemental, just my own thing- i don't fish for dinks.

Okay. Just got defensive for a moment there...I'm over it.

[jkjnp]

Originally Posted by Clogston29

if you want to do it, at least use a single hook and crush the barb.

Completely agree.

[JohnR]

Fish is fish & to each their own (as long as they're being responsible).

If you do schoolie fish, please crush the barbs

If you target sea robins, record the croak..

[RIROCKHOUND]

Originally Posted by jkjnp

Back Beach-this post makes you sound like a bit of a fishing snob.

I don't see how there is any true difference between fishing for small fish or large. When you fish you are putting a hook in a fishes mouth.

Because there is a huge difference putting a single hook in the mouth of a few big fish, rather than standing there catching 50 12" bass, especially on treble hooks. I think bigger fish, handled well and fought quickly are more resilient to release than small bass. The bones and flesh inside the mouth and through it thicker, and tougher. Hooks do less damage. Anything down past the gullet, IMHO is a dead fish.

the upside if it is over 28" is I can take it home and eat it, rather than release it to float.

Mike is a humongous snob, for the record.

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by jkjnp

Back Beach-
I don't know you personally, and I've been more of a lurker here than anything else for the past few years so I apologize if I'm writing out of turn here, but... this post makes you sound like a bit of a fishing snob.
I don't see how there is any true difference between fishing for small fish or large. When you fish you are putting a hook in a fishes mouth. You very well MAY kill it. If you don't like that then don't fish.
You prefer to target big fish. You only fish at night, from mid-may blah blah blah...
Me, I like to fish. Period. I love the ocean and don't care if I catch a thing. I'm a huge supporter of conservation and release nearly all of the bass I catch, but come on don't tell me how to fish.

I think with smaller fish its more likely you can get into big numbers of them and inflict damage on a greater number of fish. Past experience tells me this is true.

For many years I sometimes took dozens of small fish in a single outing using methods targeted at the small stuff. Despite utilizing less lethal methods(single hooks), I put back way too many bleeders for my own comfort, so I avoid numbers fishing for small fish nowadays. Just about all my fishing now is single hook fishing with larger stuff being the target... for whatever that's worth...the fish stocks are quite safe too as I'm lucky to catch a single fish for every three times out.

If targeting sea robins on topwater plugs makes me a snob, then I proudly pledge my allegiance to Numbskull Nation.

[numbskull]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

If targeting sea robins on topwater plugs makes me a snob, then I proudly pledge my allegiance to Numbskull Nation.

Being a snob is only part of the requirement, you also have to move your potato to the front of your wetsuit.

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by numbskull

Being a snob is only part of the requirement, you also have to move your potato to the front of your wetsuit.

Additionally, I've removed your priceless artwork from my avatar. It was(sea robin on top) truly a testament to greatness, but I cannot rightfully claim the work as my own.

Yeah, there are plenty of posers out there, but I'm taking the high road. Maybe next year the almighty will smile upon my decision and send a large skate up through the water column in search of my parrot darter...and all will be forgiven.

OK OK, back to the original thread topic...

Eels on a single hook is the best defense against unwanted kills of small fish...either that or stay home. It's what I do.

[numbskull]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

Eels on a single hook is the best defense against unwanted kills of small fish...either that or stay home. It's what I do.

Actually, going fishing with Sauerkraut is the best defense against wanted or unwanted kills of any sized fish.

Eels in experienced hands probably have low mortality risk, but the learning curve takes its toll.

My sense is that plugs mutilate more fish than they directly kill.

Fishing in warm water has C&R mortality of 25-50% regardless of the technique used.

We all kill fish, and more than we think we do.

[WoodyCT]

Short fight and no UL gear. Don't over-tire them- they become seal and blew food.

Single hooks. Don't poke their eyes out or rip their gills out with trebles.

Give them the lure if they are badly hooked. Don't remove gill rakers, lips or other vital parts.

Leave them in the water. Their bodies weren't meant to be hung vertically out of water. Nor were their jaws meant to be used as a handle.

Don't beach on sand or rocks. It removes their protective slime coat.

No pinwheeling through the air or bouncing down the rocks on their return trip to the sea. Scrambles their brains and innards.

Why don't you just leave the poor lil bastages alone?????????

[jkjnp]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

I think with smaller fish its more likely you can get into big numbers of them and inflict damage on a greater number of fish. Past experience tells me this is true.

For many years I sometimes took dozens of small fish in a single outing using methods targeted at the small stuff. Despite utilizing less lethal methods(single hooks), I put back way too many bleeders for my own comfort, so I avoid numbers fishing for small fish nowadays. Just about all my fishing now is single hook fishing with larger stuff being the target... for whatever that's worth...the fish stocks are quite safe too as I'm lucky to catch a single fish for every three times out.

If targeting sea robins on topwater plugs makes me a snob, then I proudly pledge my allegiance to Numbskull Nation.

My apologies for calling you a snob...got a little fired up and probably over reacted. Just love to fish and had some fun catching dinks on Wednesday. All of the sudden I felt (in a different thread) like I should feel bad the fact that I enjoy watching fish blitz and catching a few. So I got a bit defensive when I felt like you were telling me how to fish. Anyway, it's Friday. Thank god.