Carpet Kills!! Don't let 'em lay on it!

[TR20bh]

Hey, CFF folks, with all the big fish being caught this year we need to take special care! I know many of us are releasing these fish with the good intent, but how these fish are handled upon landing them greatly determines whether they'll survive longterm. I was re-reading an article from Bassmaster from the managers at Bienville Plantation in N. FL about delayed mortality of caught fish. The biggest culprit of the dead fish collected was fungus caused by removal of the slime coat on the skin. They determined it was largely caused by fish that were laid on dry boat carpet for pictures or flopping on the carpet during landing. The safest way to handle fish is to net in a net with smooth coated netting & leaving the fish on the wet netting while taking pics or laying the fish on a wet, smooth surface to take pics. I use my weigh-in bag. As the water warms, taking special care becomes more & more important to these lunker's survival, but even in cool temps fungus & infection can kill! I know all you guys who release these hawgs want them to survive more than a week or two! The little things we do in handling them can count! We can help keep our lake among the best in the country!

 

[CATCHMAN]

I heard a while back that carpet was bad for bass health. I don't know the outcome, but one of the major tournament rails was considering a two minute no fishing penalty if you let a bass touch the carpet. I don't know how the rule would be interpreted if a fish just came unhooked as you swung it in. Maybe it never became a rule.

 

[Liveliner]

Thank you so very much for sharing this most valuable information. I knew removal of the slime by people who use dry towels to handle fish was a sure killer of fish. But the carpet never occurred to me. I hope everyone who needs this info reads this and that those who use dry towels just stop fishing.

 

[smughal31]

wow never knew this thanks a lot for sharing.

 

[jd131]

Good to know - thanks for the info!

 

[Dropshot]

CATCHMAN - 4/7/2013 11:46 PM I heard a while back that carpet was bad for bass health. I don't know the outcome, but one of the major tournament rails was considering a two minute no fishing penalty if you let a bass touch the carpet. I don't know how the rule would be interpreted if a fish just came unhooked as you swung it in. Maybe it never became a rule.

</p>

</p>

Major League Fishing gives them a two minute penalty for fish touching the carpet.</p>

 

[TR20bh]

Dropshot - 4/8/2013 7:46 AM

CATCHMAN - 4/7/2013 11:46 PM I heard a while back that carpet was bad for bass health. I don't know the outcome, but one of the major tournament rails was considering a two minute no fishing penalty if you let a bass touch the carpet. I don't know how the rule would be interpreted if a fish just came unhooked as you swung it in. Maybe it never became a rule.

</p>

 </p>

Major League Fishing gives them a two minute penalty for fish touching the carpet.</p>

Patrick, the only thing I see that's counterproductive in Major League Fishing is that the pro can stick the fish on his dry clothing or between his legs to try to control it & wipe the slime coat off! I know they ban nets to increase the excitement for TV, but a net would be less harmful to the bass!

 

[takenoprisoners]

I read this a few days ago and thought, "Ha! No problem-o! I've not got carpet in my little boat." But now I have a question.

I have drawn a ruler across the top of a cooler to measure fish with (hahaha...obviously, eh?). Just want to make sure laying a fish on this surface won't do damage. It is the dimpled plastic you've come to know and love on cooler tops.

Thanks!

 

[tp44]

Takenoprisoners has a good point especially with crappie. I don't want to harm the fish that doesn't measure.

 

[polo-dog]

Great info Ben. Thanks for reminding us!

 

[TR20bh]

takenoprisoners - 4/10/2013 11:21 AM

I read this a few days ago and thought, "Ha! No problem-o! I've not got carpet in my little boat." But now I have a question.

I have drawn a ruler across the top of a cooler to measure fish with (hahaha...obviously, eh?). Just want to make sure laying a fish on this surface won't do damage. It is the dimpled plastic you've come to know and love on cooler tops.

Thanks!

Good question! I'm not positive about a cooler top, but I think I would dampen it before laying a fish on it. A wet surface is ALWAYS better than a dry one!

 

[takenoprisoners]

I shall indeed get 'er wet. Anyone else know if it's safe to lay 'em on it when wet? Thanks!

 

[jig fisher]

What about the surface on the G3's? It's not carpet but looks like it. Love that stuff. Is it as good as I've heard.

 

[Liveliner]

The simple rule is that if anything removes any portion of the protective slime, That can create an opening for infections.. Just avoid touching any dry surfaces. Like Red hot bare fiberglass surfaces and the decks of metal boats. There are way too many to list. I have already mentioned those who hold fish to be released in a drying towel...

 

[TR20bh]

Yep, Liveliner. The key is not to grab the fish with dry hands or lay on a dry surface. Trout fishermen are usually very conscious of this, but all game fish need to be handled with wet hands.

 

[elwestb]

TR20bh - 4/11/2013 9:21 PM

Yep, Liveliner. The key is not to grab the fish with dry hands or lay on a dry surface. Trout fishermen are usually very conscious of this, but all game fish need to be handled with wet hands.

Amen!

 

[Liveliner]

TR20bh - 4/11/2013 9:21 PM Yep, Liveliner. The key is not to grab the fish with dry hands or lay on a dry surface. Trout fishermen are usually very conscious of this, but all game fish need to be handled with wet hands.

. Correction... ALL FISH ... Not restricted to Gamefish..</p>

</p>