Hook startegies to save the small fall run fish

[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.