Lunker
Tips & Tactics
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Tactics
Releasing Fish
Once I
catch that big lunker largy or smallie, either
recreationally or during a tournament, how do I get it
back in the water properly so it doesn't die? In
my opinion, this is so important, especially with the
Lunkers. You really want to keep that gene pool of
big fish in that body of water you caught it from.
Its perfectly normal to hold it up, take some pictures,
and show it off a little, however getting it back in the
water without harm or extreme stress is important.
Here are a few tips to remember: 1)
Try not to let the fish bounce around or rub on the bottom
of your boat for to long. This will rub off its
protective "Slime Coat" and leave it vulnerable
to infections, diseases, etc. 2)
Grab the fish by the bottom lip if you can, but DO NOT
bend the lip to far. Hold it straight up and down,
thus preventing breakage of the bottom jaw. I've
caught many bass with broken lower jaws from improper
handling. 3)
Get it back in the water as soon as possible (no further
explanation here, imagine yourself without air for 2 - 5
minutes!) 4)
When releasing the fish, put your hand under its belly and
move the fish back and forth, faster in the forward
motion, thus generating water and oxygen flowing over its
gills. Tournament
Tips 1)
Use a product like Rejuvinade to increase the oxygen
levels in the livewell and help maintain the fishes slime
coat. 2)
On warm days or nights, you MUST have a bag or two of ice
available to keep the water temperature down. I also
advise driving your boat to the middle of the lake and
getting some of the cooler, deeper, oxygenated middle lake
water. You can do this on your way to the next spot. 3)
Keep your live well on a timed recirculation being sure
fresh water is being added in regular intervals. 4)
When you pull the boat out or stop for weigh-in, keep the
recirculation "on!"
By:
JD
Lunker USA
www.LunkerUSA.com
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