Fish-Hawk.Net

Hi All,

This is my first post out here on the main board and thought I'd pass along some information.

Tonight in the Ottawa Glebe, there is a talk on the science of recreational fishing. I don't know anything about the talk or Dr. Cooke other than what's posted below. Thought I'd share with the group.

Details below:

http://www.carleton.ca/science/news_arc ... eCafe.html

April 16

The science of recreational fishing

Dr. Steven Cooke, Institute of Environmental Science and Department of Biology

Have you ever wondered what happens to a fish after is released? Or have you wondered what can be done to increase the chances that a fish will survive a catch and release angling event? And of course you want to know whether science can help you catch more and bigger fish! This discussion will focus on the science of recreational fishing for a number of freshwater and marine gamefish including bass, pike, musky, barracuda, and bonefish.

Just to help narrow down the location, it is near the corner of Bank and Fourth(east side of Bank)

817 Bank Ottawa, ON

Don't know anything about the cafe, or how big it is.

16th is tomorrow!!!!!!!!!

I heard this guy being interviewed this morning on CBC radio...should be an interesting event (wish I could make it)

Wallyboss wrote:16th is tomorrow!!!!!!!!!

correct. the radio was incorrect and the website is correct.

it is tonight (wednesday). sorry for the confusion.

I wish this was announced at an earlier date... would have liked to have made it out this evening.

I live about three blocks from where this event was held, but didn't know about it until just now when I stumbled on this thread.

Did anyone go? Was anything said that is worth passing on?

I was able to make it down. It's a small cafe and while I think most people found a seat it in the end it was standing room only for a while. Seemed like a mix of tournament organizers, conservationist types, with the occasional fishing enthusiast thrown in (myself included).

The presentation was very interesting and the speaker was was really effective. The audience was definitely interested in what he had to say. I took some notes but I'm sure there's content I missed.. anyway here it is:

* The professor has access to a private lake which is the only one in the world to be fitted with 3D telemetry and a high percentage of black bass with transponders. At any given time they know exactly where the bass are. That has led them to some interesting conclusions:

1) Lunar calendars don't seem to be predictors of feeding behavior.
2) In the winter months largemouth bass stack up in extreme concentrations... but there doesn't seem to be much of a pattern on where those locations are (and it's of no use anyway because we can't fish for them)
3) Despite knowing exactly where the fish are and at what depth, on some days there can be 10 experienced anglers on the lake and none of them will catch fish. (sort of relief and a little disheartening at the same time)

* Some notes about catch and release

1) Traditional nets made of string and knots are going to hurt the fish in the majority of cases. The slime is removed and 2-3 days later the fish will be covered in hair like algae and then die. You've probably caught a few fish like this.. I know I have... now you know what may have happened. The solution is rubber nets or trying to keep the fish in the water. The verdict is still out on Boga grips.
2) Circle hooks a great for catch and release. The fish is almost always hooked superficiialy in the lip. Recommended for senko fishing.
3) When reviving a fish do not move it forward and backwards in the water. Fish cannot swim backwards Forward only, at a slow speed.. (ie point it upstream, move it in a figure 8, etc)
4) Exposure to air causes loss of equilibrium in fish (I'm sure there was more on air exposure but I didn't capture it)
5) Small mouth bass released to a different part of the lake return immediately to their home range. LM will take up residence in the area they were released but after a winter cycle they will also return home.
6) Adding oxygen to your livewell is not recommended as you will likely over-oxygenate the water.. Just circulate lake water.

* Other stuff

1) Zebra mussels have definitely cleared the water.. and plant life has flourished.. but there's been little measurable impact on fishing.
2) Water temperature is considered the "Master Factor" for biologists. For the majority of species it controls much of their behavior.

Anyone else who was there.. feel free to correct or add to my notes.

Peronally I'm a big proponent of circle hooks, especially for kids that are not attentive to subtle bites, etc.

Mossman wrote:I was able to make it down.

Thanks for the summary. That series of presentations looks interesting generally, not just the one on recreational fishing. Too bad I'm finding out about them toward the end :)

Thanks for the recap mossman. I wasn't able to attend so your notes are much appreciated.

I wish I had gone to school in fish biology rather than engineering. I want my own bass pond with sensors!

Good notes on the catch and release as well.