not too cool

[Weekend Angler]

This is a good thread with a lot of good level headed discussion....

I have a couple of comments...

First off, I saw the Cronzy show on St. Clair and have seen many others like it. I don't support the release method used by some of the guides for one simple reason. They don't stick around after the release to see if the fish surfaces. Sometimes after they are far out of sight. If they did they might see some of the results of their methods. I realize that a large boat with a lot of lines out is a lot of work to stop and clear and reset the lines. I feel it's a worthwhile effort to ensure the fish survives. Out of sight out of mind might make them feel better but what about the fish?

Second there are some great shows on Muskie fishing showing all of the proper landing and release methods. Did anyone catch the show before the Cronzy show?

Pete Bowman was fishing with one of our Muskies Canada Ottawa Chapter members. I thought they did a great job of showing everyone the proper way to do things. It was a good show to watch. I wish there were more like it.

As for comparing a Muskie to a Northern Pike there are some key differences that make the release that much harder with Muskies. They cannot withstand a long fight due to lactic acid buildup. A Pike has a much easier time relieving itself from this situation than a Muskie. That is why it often takes much longer for a Muskie to revive. Especially in high water temps. Best rule of thumb is use heavy line & tackle, get them in quick and keep them in the water during unhooking using a cradle or big net as a corral. Minimize out of water time and keep the photos to a minimum. Fish for Bass or something else when the water gets above 80 degrees

If you happen to have one die you must release it unless it is of legal size to keep. It's not a lost cause though besides the crawfish & turtle food.

You can help with a research program called the Cleithrum Project. By retrieving the Cleithrum bone from a dead Muskie you can assist in the ongoing research on Muskellunge. For details on what the bone is and the Cleithrum Project please see the Muskies Canada Website at www.muskiescanada.ca. This project is one of the few data points captured for Muskies other than MCI Angler Logs in Ontario so if you happen to find a dead Muskie please think about helping out.

Best Wishes & Big Fishes!

Ken

[Clausewitz]

Has anyone emailed this pro? He probably has a website somewhere that we could tap into.

Or we could send him a note and invite him here to talk about it.

[Clausewitz]

Has anyone emailed this pro? He probably has a website somewhere that we could tap into.

Or we could send him a note and invite him here to talk about it.

[Kpin]

Clausewitz, I think after reading just a bit of the thread he'd turn tail and run for fear of a lynching, then again, one never knows. As to Izumi bonking one on the motor dunno, didn't see it myself but I know what my opinion was on the whole subject from the beggining. Hearing Big Jim chime in made me take a step back and rethink it. An angler as experienced as himself with a wealth of knowledge, made me think twice.

We all try for a nice smooth release but...and no flaming here gang....maybe we're kinda babying em' a little bit? Now, I'm talking about a quick battle, kept in the water while hook removal is happening deal. Are we starting to treat release of fish like an overprotective mother who's kid has a tiny scratch and freaks?

Devils advocate arguement...not nec. my opinion. Whaddaya think? You could even go on to argue that if it keeps up, people keeping fish will be refered to as "meat fishermen", quickly to be followed by being called barbarians for not using barbless hooks. Are we overdoing it? Is PETA secretly reading and cracking bottles of champagne in celebration that their undercover project to shame fishermen has slowly worked?

Again, far fetched ideas but really...what do you think? I've actually had, catch and release fishermen, look at me in disgust, for having the incredible nerve to keep a few fish for dinner...I mean, evil looks and harsh words under the breath. No one from FH, of course...point is...are we overdoing it?

[GetTheNet!!!]

Yeah, I'm willing to give Big Jim the benefit of the doubt. I still wouldn't torpedo a fish myself, but I'm sure as heck not going to call him out for doing it. As for barbless, I only use barbless hooks for everything from bluegill to northerns, I wouldn't call myslef an activist, barbless hooks just help me get 'em back in the water faster and that makes for a good trip every time. If I lose a fish I don't blame the barb it's my fault. Some provinces have already gone all barbless, and many of the northern ontario outfitters are already going that way because they've found it's easier on their fisheries. It's only a matter of time before the rest of Ontario brings it in. And I swear, no one will miss 'em. We should keep and eat fish selectively and responsively, it's part of the sport and part of our passion for it, I don't however think it's fair to associate PETA activism with barbless hooks, I believe they're a more responsible way of fishing.

Matt 'GetTheNet!!!' Garvin