Big Drum

Carefully Release Them

Angler Home , , , , , , , , ,

Fishing isn’t always about catching. Occasionally we need to release our catch due to them being out of season, over the slot size or bag limit or you don’t want to keep them. Either way, if the angler chooses to release the fish, it must be done carefully to give it the best chance for survival.

The first step in releasing your catch is to quickly retrieve the fish to shore. During the fight, a fish uses up a lot of energy. The remaining energy is needed to feed, spawn or escape a predator. When the fish is exhausted and returned to the water after a long fight, they may not have enough energy to begin breathing again or to escape to safety. So we need to ensure the fight is short.

The next step to releasing is to minimize the handling of the fish. All species have a protectant film on the surface of their skin. This film helps to prevent infection but it also helps them slide thru the water quickly. When bringing a fish to shore, it’s best to use a plastic net. Also, try to keep the fish in the water or at least wet. Some nylon or cotton nets will strip the film off as the fish tries to escape. So I try to avoid using them.

Once the fish is in the net, most anglers will use a gripper or plyers to steady them. Their first instinct is pick up the fish vertically to take a photo or a measurement. This technique is extremely lethal for the fish. By holding the fish vertical and upright, the organs and tiny structures in the fish’s body are pulled by gravity toward the tail. Torn structures will not heal timely and possibly cause the fish to die soon.

Also you want be gentle when removing the hooks. Don’t grab the fish but gently and firmly hold the fish steady to grip the hooks. Pull the hooks to minimize any damage. I like to flatten the barbs on all my hooks to aid in the quick and safe release.

If you need to remove the fish from the water or net, hold the fish horizontally. Always keep your hands wet when holding a fish. Use the gripper to control the head but always support the mid-section and tail (see picture insert). This ensures that no stress is on the vital organs. Plus, by just resting the fish in your hands, no slime or protectant will be wiped off. You will be surprised how calm they can be when held properly.

Holding a fish for a picture can be the most stressful time for the fish and even a short time can mean the difference between recovery and survival.

When the time comes to release the fish, gently lower the fish in the water. Do horizontal swimming movements to help run water over their gills. And the fish will let you when they are ready to swim off. When ready just open your hands and they will swim away – usually with a big splash.

Never drop a fish from a pier or bridge or just toss in back into the water. This action can stun them and make them more susceptible to danger. They need to be re-introduced back into the water carefully.

So remember, when you need to release a fish, keep your hands wet, don’t squeeze them tightly and reduce the time it is handled out of the water.  The time out of the water and your handling techniques will determine it the fish will survive and swim away to be caught again.

Until next time – Tightlines. Capt. Tony

Throw Back – Big Drum

Angler Home , , , , ,

Fishing in the fall season on the Outer Banks produces citation type catches of Speckled trout, Sea Mullet, Pompano, puppy drum and huge Big Drum. Come make a memory.

From the IGFA web site –

It was 36 years ago today –

Did you know that the IGFA’s two largest red drum records were both caught on November 7th? On this day in 1973, Elvin Hooper caught this 40.82-kilogram (90-pound) red drum to set the IGFA Men’s 15-kg (30 lb) Line Class World Record. He was casting cut mullet from Ocean Pier, Rodanthe, North Carolina, and landed the record redfish after a one hour fight. At the time it was the IGFA All-Tackle Record and Line Class Record, until exactly 11 years later when David Deuel broke that record. 47 years later, it still stands as the Men’s 15-kg (30 lb) Line Class World Record. #fishIGFA

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony

Pier Fishing Basics

Angler Uncategorized , , , , , , , ,

Fishing on one of the seven Outer Banks Piers is safe and enjoyable for the entire family. Most piers have ample parking, tackle supplies and food and beverage concessions. They will also rent you equipment and supply you with everything you need to fish.

  • Kitty Hawk Pier

There are four things I recommend you do after you arrive at the pier but before you start fishing. The four things are: “Homework”, “Observe”, “Ask” and “Try”.

“Homework” is researching the most recent fishing activity. Your findings will include, what has been caught recently and using what bait. Where is the best action? Do you have the proper gear and rigging? What are the tides and other weather conditions? There are many other considerations that both the pier staff and tackle shop professionals can help with.

“OBSERVE” is the next thing – once on the pier try to watch what other anglers are doing. Are they casting or just dropping the baits.  What type of equipment or gear are they using? What type rig or bait are they using and are they successful with that method. Spending several minutes can save much time and help avoiding that learning curve.

“ASK” is the next thing I do. Ask the other anglers what they are catching. What type of bait or rig works best? Your best bet for success is to copy what the others are doing.

“TRY” is the final step. Try out the information you received.  Work the pier is some type of order. I start on one side and typically close in. I work my way out to the deeper water. Each time I move, I watch the other anglers.  I follow the end of the pier. I then will either switch over the other side or just move close in and begin my journey from close in to the end of the pier.

Keys to success on the pier is moving around to find fish. If you don’t catch something right away or after a short period – Move. I will move many times both out and back and switching sides occasionally. 

There are many reasons you will not be successful on a fishing pier. But none is more damaging than using “DEAD BAIT”. What do I mean about using dead bait – its’ bait that is days old or allowed to sit in the sun and “cook”. Air dried and stale bait will turn off the fish quickly Keep your bait in the shade or better yet, in a cooler. Remember – Fresh bait has a natural scent and catches more fish.

When using fresh bait, always buy the best whether it’s shrimp, squid or blood worms.

Using the proper gear and equipment for the various seasons can mean the difference between success and failure. Medium to heavy gear in spring and fall and lighter gear in summer.

Sharp hooks and good rigging make for quick hook ups. A variety of sinkers will hold the bottom during different conditions.

Angler safety is also imperative. Dress for the conditions. Sun screen is needed year round. Bringing plenty of fluids and snacks make for an enjoyable day.

A cooler with plenty of ice will keep any fish you plan to harvest. Also, try to practice “CPR” – that is Catch, Photo and Release!!

So keep it simple and pier fishing will help create memories that last a lifetime.

Until Next Time – Tightlines – Capt. Tony