Hook startegies to save the small fall run fish

[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?????????