Muskie Catch and Release (Pt II)

Tools

I'm going to go over some tools and techniques some friends and I use to get fish back in the water with little or no harm. Some say delayed mortality is 10% some feel 5%. There are all kinds of numbers floating around & most are based on hear say. I would bet the actual number is less than 1% if proper methods and tools are used. Some studies show just over 1% for what they call "Optimized(Reduced mortality) techniques". That amounts to artificial lures and typically shallow hooking occurrences; live bait and single hook rigs are considered high mortality tactics according to C&R studies.

So here goes and remember, I use these tools because they work best for my friends and I and are the best we've found for the application not for any other reason. We have bought all of these tools with our own hard earned money.

Net

I like the Stowmaster. It has a great bag, is very compact and, it's made completely in the U.S.A. and Canada. It requires some manipulation to make happen though - everyone should know how to make it open and lock in before you head out. The bag is coated small mesh netting. I’ve never had a problem with the bait winding up in the net or the fishes fins being damaged. There are many nets out there (frabill and beckman are two excellent makes) just do some home work before you make a choice. Take in all the factors before plunking down 150+ bones for something you will not like.

Lanyards

First off, attach lanyards and tethers to all your tools - you never know when the tool you need is going to end up a Crayfish Castle.

Bolt Cutters

I like the Knipex because it is the best quality cutter on the market. There are cheaper options and they may work for awhile; the problem is with the pins and quality of the steel cutting edges on these low cost tools. Knipex has a lifetime guarantee so keep that in mind; if it means spending an extra 25 bucks to assure the hooks are gonna be cut on the first squeeze it's worth it to me. I know I can cut the shank of any hook in my box fast and clean.

The Diagonal Cutter

Because of their angled cutting head, these are a great tool as they will reach places at goofy angles that straight cutters cannot go.

Pliers

There are several pliers that come to mind, all with a place in the C&R box. First, the ol' standby; the Baker Hookout. I’ve used them for many years and they do work but you have limited leverage and grip with them. These can also be modified to assure your safety by cutting a hole in the bottom of a coffee can and using the can as a shield for your hand called the "Lac Seul Butternut". This was particularly important in the early days on Lac Seul due to the wild nature of the fish when hooked. Typically they are plenty good enough but there are times when the next level of tools is needed.

The Linesman's

These are great. The picture shown is of the new 9.5 inch Knipex. They have tons of leverage and a cutting edge that will snap the hook point off in a jiff. I’ve had a pair of 9 inch in the boat for years and they have seen some action but they do suffer from length limitations; that's when these baby's come into play.

Channellocks

These are great for the boat just as long as you get a model that's long enough like the 430's or 440's. These provide tons of leverage and power. I’ve had a pair in the boat for many years. They aren't required often but when you need them nothing else fits the bill like a Channellock.

The Long Nose Pliers

I’ve used the standard needle nose many times but these are a new one for me; they are 13 inch Gear Wrench with articulating jaws and a killer grip with tons of leverage. I can see these being a fish saving tool and a new "Must Have" in the C&R box. Not that the 8 inch pliers are gonna go overboard but, for a deep hook situation, I think these will save many fish over the years compared to the other 8-13 inch non articulated pliers. These have solved the loss of leverage issue with the old style. Now we're going into a very specialized area.

The Hook Pick

I’ve heard several stories about the mouth being pinned and the fish dieing or the Double 10 spinner baits hooking deep. This is the proverbial ticket, you have a 13.5 inch tool specially made for large hooks placed deep in the fishes mouth or pinned shut. I was shown this by Mr. Steve Jonesi this fall and got one as soon as I got home from the trip; all you do if the mouth is pinned is push the end of the tool into the mouth (3/16th of a inch diameter wire) and push the hook back and open the mouth so you can start to work. Sure the fish may lose a tooth but it will save it's life - a worth while trade to any of us; I really love this baby and it leads me into the tools minor(lesser)

Boga Grip

I'm not a big fan of it but it does have a purpose and it isn't weighing big fish. I like it to handle small fish (1-2# pike) at boats side for water release. Also, many guys use them for releasing fish if they run high sided boats which is better than torpedoing the fish over the side. Lower the fish in the net to the water so the fish isn't suspended by the lower mandible for any longer than necessary. I don't recommend holding the fish by the lip with this tool when they get over 4 pounds it can cause terrible injury to the fish.

Gloves

I like them for cold water and handling small aggressive fish like Pike. Otherwise, I prefer to have a skin on skin feel; I think it avoids possible damage due to not being able to feel what you have in your hands. The gills seem to stick to the fabric and I think that may get nasty.

Scales & Tales of the Tape

This is a great tool if you want to know what the fish actually weighs. I would recommend a "Chatillion IN" fish scale in the 60 or 100# model. I haven't used one yet but our friend and contributer to the north Johnny Dadson swears by them and their effectiveness as a release tool. Kevin Van Cleave also has one that he uses. The beauty is that you can keep the fish in the net lift the whole fish and net up and never have to remove the fish from the net. "NEVER HANG A FISH FROM IT'S JAW OR GILL PLATE", as long as you have a tare weight on the net your going to be accurate and effective but, please use a quality net so damage to the fish is reduced or eliminated. These scales can be certified by the IGFA or your state if record hunting is your game.

Floating stick Ruler

So simple even I can use it. Just hold the fish along side the boat put the tip on her nose and read the south bound end; it's quick, simple and easy on the fish. There are some that use a giant bump board and it's probably not going to injure the fish too badly but we have concerns about slime loss, possibly dropping her and time out of the water in harsh conditions.

Rule #1 never hang a fish to measure it if you need to stretch your catch just add 2 inches and save the fish the agony.

Vinyl Girth Tape

Just wrap it around the fish while shes in the net or before she swims off to the next lucky angler.

Jaw Spreaders

Basically, these are a small fish tool. I’ve had 7lb pike send these across the boat effortlessly. They are pretty much a useless tool for anything bigger than that I feel, but it could possibly help you in a sticky spot we haven't got into yet.