Proper C & R - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

GregAndrew · 01-26-2012, 03:31 PM

The best way to land a Halibut for release has got to be the ruberized net with the marble sized holes in it. Just make sure that you are ready to deal with the fish when you net it (pliers,measuring device and camera ready and not about to get run over or run into something). You can drag a Halibut a long way with little fight, they just don't want to come up.

If landing is not necessary, then I would recommend pliers with the fish yakside if hook is easily accessible.

-scallywag- · 01-26-2012, 04:39 PM

Maybe stop using trap rigs?

sure you'll hook alot less fish but the ones you do catch will be what your after....also it will be much easier to remove the hook without netting them if you do want to make a release.

mtnbykr2 · 01-27-2012, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -scallywag-

Maybe stop using trap rigs?

sure you'll hook alot less fish but the ones you do catch will be what your after....also it will be much easier to remove the hook without netting them if you do want to make a release.

OOOPS....

jorluivil · 01-27-2012, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -scallywag-

Maybe stop using trap rigs?

sure you'll hook alot less fish but the ones you do catch will be what your after....also it will be much easier to remove the hook without netting them if you do want to make a release.

Good suggestion, I'll start doing that.

PapaDave · 01-27-2012, 08:02 AM

I stopped using trap hooks awhile back, noticed that on the larger fish it wasn't necessary as the circle hook was lodged in the corner of the mouth and the trap hook was hooked on the outside of the fish somewhere. That and the traps also hook more kelp and rocks.

Since kayaking I have switched all my hooks to circle type, works great for releasing the fish, I rarely need a net to get the hook out.

mtnbykr2 · 01-27-2012, 10:31 AM

Cotton pickin trap rigs get caught in everything....

even near the kitchen sink...lol

Hunter (The 80's Man) · 01-27-2012, 12:54 PM

pretty bad when you can't even release a fish right.

steveooo · 01-27-2012, 01:32 PM

Hold your breath for 3 minutes, see how you fare. Best bet is to keep the fish in the water if you plan to release it.

For nets, this would be the best type for C&R.

The suggestion of losing the trap rig to weed out the runts is a good one too.

Now where exactly did you release that little girl

01-27-2012, 10:31 AM	#6
mtnbykr2 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: newbury park ca Posts: 2,323	Cotton pickin trap rigs get caught in everything.... even near the kitchen sink...lol __________________

01-27-2012, 12:54 PM	#7
Hunter (The 80's Man) Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Riverside Posts: 243	pretty bad when you can't even release a fish right. __________________ What's in YOUR hatch?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-26-2012, 03:31 PM	#1
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	The best way to land a Halibut for release has got to be the ruberized net with the marble sized holes in it. Just make sure that you are ready to deal with the fish when you net it (pliers,measuring device and camera ready and not about to get run over or run into something). You can drag a Halibut a long way with little fight, they just don't want to come up. If landing is not necessary, then I would recommend pliers with the fish yakside if hook is easily accessible.

01-26-2012, 04:39 PM	#2
-scallywag- Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: on the road... Posts: 598	Maybe stop using trap rigs? sure you'll hook alot less fish but the ones you do catch will be what your after....also it will be much easier to remove the hook without netting them if you do want to make a release.

01-27-2012, 08:02 AM	#5
PapaDave Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Menifee, CA Posts: 1,475	I stopped using trap hooks awhile back, noticed that on the larger fish it wasn't necessary as the circle hook was lodged in the corner of the mouth and the trap hook was hooked on the outside of the fish somewhere. That and the traps also hook more kelp and rocks. Since kayaking I have switched all my hooks to circle type, works great for releasing the fish, I rarely need a net to get the hook out.

01-27-2012, 01:32 PM	#8
steveooo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,922	Hold your breath for 3 minutes, see how you fare. Best bet is to keep the fish in the water if you plan to release it. For nets, this would be the best type for C&R. The suggestion of losing the trap rig to weed out the runts is a good one too. Now where exactly did you release that little girl