Fish-Hawk.Net

I know there are strong opinions about the subject among Fish-Hawkers. Below is a summary of some recent science on the subject as it pertains to largemouth bass.

It confirms the findings of previous rainbow trout research showing that angling stress - with air exposure being the single greatest stressor - has negative impacts on reproduction. For me, this means water-release (no air-exposure for photos) of fish during the spawning cycle.

2004. North American Journal of Fisheries Management: Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 1038–1045.

Effects of Stress on Largemouth Bass Reproduction
Kenneth G. Ostrand

Center for Aquatic Ecology, Illinois Natural History Survey, Sam Parr Biological Station, 6401 Meacham Road, Kinmundy, Illinois 62854, USA


Abstract.—Although largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides are frequently subjected to sublethal stressors (e.g., angling), the associated effects on their reproductive success have not been assessed. We examined the reproduction of largemouth bass that were subjected to the stress of exhaustive exercise, and air exposure. Age-0 largemouth bass produced from parents subjected to stress were smaller (total length, 31 ± 0.4 mm [mean ± SE]) and weighed less (0.59 ± 0.04 g) than controls that were not stressed (35 ± 0.4 mm; 0.76 ± 0.03 g). Adults that were stressed had offspring with later swim-up dates than did controls. Our results provide evidence that stress before spawning has the potential to negatively affect largemouth bass reproductive success.

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Interesting stuff Michael. Thanks for posting this.

HW

I wonder how much can be assoicated with the fight itself rather than taking them out of the water. My guess is the fight is worse for them which inturn would mean that whether you photograph them or not you'll be effecting them.

So the answer would be not to fish for anything until all species have finished their reproductive cycle. The fact that the fish are put back and don't end up in the cooler is a good start

I'm curious to know how many serious bass anglers would think twice about taking OOS bass out of the water if it meant that it could conceivably decrease the overall size of a given population over time?

HW

I always try to take it easy on an OOS bass if possible. You wouldn't want to put unnecessary stress on a pregnant woman.. so why do it to a bass? It's all common sense.

However if I got a bass like Big Bass 444's I might feel a little more compelled to take a picture!

John,

Respectfully, I think your guess is mistaken. Air exposure seems to add significantly to angling mortality. It makes sense if you think about it. Fish have evolved to withstand extreme exertion under natural circumstances (migration, flight, pursuit and spawning). They get stressed and they recover. They haven't evolved to recover as readily from exhaustive exercise FOLLOWED by air exposure:

Physiological effects of brief air exposure in exhaustively exercised rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss ): Implications for "catch and release" fisheries.

Ferguson, RA; Tufts, BL
Affiliation   Dep. Biol., Queen's Univ., Kingston, Ont. K7L 3N6, Canada

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences [CAN. J. FISH. AQUAT. SCI.], vol. 49, no. 6, pp. 1157-1162, 1992

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss ) which were air exposed for 60 s after exhaustive exercise initially had a much larger extracellular acidosis than trout which were only exercised. In both groups, however, plasma pH returned to normal by 4 h. Blood lactate concentrations were also greater in the air-exposed fish and continued to increase throughout the experiment. The results indicate that the brief period of air exposure which occurs in many "catch and release" fisheries is a significant additional stress which may ultimately influence whether a release fish survives.
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I wasn't aware that there is a bass population problem anywhere in ON. If there was, i'd gladly do whatever it take to preserve the population.

In my opinion, being concerned about increasing a population of a species that doesn't have a population problem to start with will only lead to over population and smaller fish.

Micheal has a great point, but I don't think comparing a bass to a trout is a good comparison.

One could make the opposite arguement and use a carp as an example.

I wasn't aware that there is a bass population problem anywhere in ON

No one indicated that there was a population issue. My question was if you had evidence such as this at your disposal that indicates it is possible that handling OOS bass out of water COULD be the difference between a future population of bass having an average weight of 4.5lbs vs. 5lbs, would it make you think twice about doing it?

HW

Markus...there are similar data for salmonids and centrarchids...do I have to post all of the references? If there were results to the contrary, I would post them too.

This is a great subject. I hope mutual respect and cooler heads will prevail.

I agree, it is a good subject.

I don't think it's an unknown fact where I stand on this. I'm not stuborn, I'm just not sold on the fact that I'm doing any harm. If your arguement and data on this topic can convince me other wise, I'd gladly adopt a new practice.

I'm seriously intererested in learning more regarding this subject.

Markus,

I'm not on a crusade and I'm not trying to convince you, or anyone else of anything. If you, Markus, have taken a stance on the subject informed by something other than science, I certainly don't expect you to be influenced by some research papers. These data may be more interesting to folks who haven't yet made up their minds.

I'm just a guy who loves to fish and I want to make my releases count. I also have access to the related science and what I found caused me to rethink my approach to C & R.

I'm just sharing some of my experience and some of the research that shaped my views.

Michael

Michael... I find your reading very interesting. That you for posting them. I am a huge fan of catch and release and do not take a picture of every fish I catch,,, Whe it comes to OOS fish. the debate will always go on. There is always going to be stress if you hook a fish, the fight and the release. I am not taking sides either way, I think the key is time. IF you are going to take a picture ( not a photoshot) keep the fish in the water and remove the hooks in the water. Have your camera ready and take the fish out quickly and release the fish as quick as you can...
my 2 cents..

Good policy CH...
The problem with these studies is that if someone wanted to take the time and prove the opposite...they could..without a doubt! Basically this comes down to what you believe to be ethical for yourself and what you feel comfortable with and not worry what others think..with in the confounds of the law of course!

Canadian Bacon wrote:Good policy CH...
The problem with these studies is that if someone wanted to take the time and prove the opposite...they could..without a doubt! Basically this comes down to what you believe to be ethical for yourself and what you feel comfortable with and not worry what others think..with in the confounds of the law of course!

Good post Bacon!