FWD: Catching and releasing

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This article is from The Star Online (http://thestar.com.my)

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http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2003/11/15/features/6715550 & sec=\

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Saturday November 15, 2003

Catching and releasing

By DEEPAK GILL

 

THERE are specific methods to successfully release a caught fish. Below is an

excerpt from a website, called Chris and Jeff’s Malaysian Angler’s Website,

(www.geocities.com/Yosemite/3133/) written by Chris Tan:

 

Recently in the Rod & Line Magazine I noticed anglers submitting pictures of

killed billfish and claiming the fish was half dead, thus they kept them instead

of releasing them. Naturally it would be exhausted and limp after a long fight.

 

Imagine the athletes who exert themselves after a gruelling race. They are

exhausted and can hardly move! Maybe you can call them “half-dead” too, but give

them some time to regain their breath and the athletes will be fine. The same

goes for these large game fish: the half-dead billfish can be revived.

 

Only in areas where there are large sharks will the chances of a tired billfish

holding its own after release be suspect. However as an angler once put: “A

billfish in the boat has no chance of surviving. It is dead, period. A billfish

released still has a chance!”

 

I recently saw a video of a sailfish being caught and clumsily pulled into the

boat to be posed with. Subsequently it was “released”, unceremoniously dumped

into the water. Then the people on video all turned to the camera and with

thumbs up shouted – “Catch and release!”

 

Catch, yes they did; release, I think not. When the word “release” is used, it

means releasing the fish alive and able to swim away. With most small fish, this

is not a problem as they are still alive and kicking. When big fish are caught,

the problem that is faced is exhaustion. To land the fish, it must first be

tired out before it can be brought to the boat or boat side under control.

 

Therefore, to release the fish it must first be revived sufficiently to swim

away. If there is a current or the boat is moving, the fish can be held in the

water, allowing the water current to flow through the mouth and gills,

oxygenating the blood. The fish can be held with the lower jaw, the ideal

situation as the mouth is kept open.

 

Alternatively with fish that have teeth, hold the “tail” with one hand and

support the belly with the other hand. Billfish can be held by the bill.

 

If there is a lack of water flow available, the fish can be “resuscitated” by

forwards and backwards movement, forcing water through the gills. Keep

resuscitating the fish. It may take less than a minute to several minutes before

the fish recovers sufficiently to swim off. Needless to say, prior to releasing

the fish, it should be handled with care. Allowing it to thrash around will

cause self-inflicted injuries. Use a soft cloth to handle the fish. If possible,

keep it in the water. Otherwise keep the time of the fish out of the water to a

minimum.

 

Turning the fish upside down by carrying it on its back or holding it against

the floor by its belly will help control a thrashing fish. Another method is to

cover its eyes with a wet cloth. At all times be aware of the dangerous portions

of the fish. Sharp teeth, sharp spines and razor edged gill plates can inflict

nasty wounds. Do not be alarmed if blood is seen from injuries on the fish.

Research has shown that more often than not, the fish is able to survive release

with minor injuries. We human beings do not normally die from minor cuts;

neither do fish.

 

Our natural resources are limited, therefore we should try to conserve and

sustain them. The primary purpose of gamefishing is pleasure and enjoyment.

Killing all the catch will only deprive ourselves and future generations from

this enjoyable pastime.

 

Adds PeMM’s Bob Chang, “If every angler in Malaysia takes home just one fish a

month, that’s two million less fish out there. Take only what you need.

 

“When you go out fishing, enjoy the environment and the entire experience, and

don’t just focus on catching a fish. And please practise catch-and-release so

our kids will be able to fish as well.”

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