Dying for a picture.

[poledark]

Of course there could be another explanation, according to Peters first post he knows that fish had been caught at least 7 times, each time getting closer and closer to spawning time.

 

 

Perhaps that was simply "one time to many"

 

Moral of story, don't fish for pike in Feb and March.

 

Den

[Peter Waller]

Personally I agree with your sentiment Den, have held that view for a few years now. In the past I would work at it right up to March 14th but not now. My attentions generally turn to other fish after Jan although I do sometimes chase after jacks until about mid Feb if the water temp is well down.

[BoozleBear]

Perhaps Peter you could put a sign up in that area with a picture of the fish saying on it something like:

 

PROPER FISH CARE

 

If a fish is out of the water for too long, THIS happens.

 

 

That might just send the alarm bells ringing with the morons who inadvertantly killed a fit fish.

 

Very sad indeed.

 

I only weigh a fish if it might be my PB, and I only picture a fish if it is. And if I am concerned the fish would be out of the water for too long if I too a photo, I simply don't take one.

[Dick Dastardly]

Perhaps that was simply "one time to many"

 

Quite.

 

Not to sure that its a major problem fishing for them in Feb/March.Ive never caught a pike shedding milt or eggs (anyone else?) and their even more delicate a condition imediately prior spawning neednt be a problem.Much the same as Summer piking ethicaly I supose?

[Guest rabbit]

Well its got me thinking if I should ever take another 'trophy' shot again. However I feel that handling the fish in front of the camera is the practice that does more harm. The posing setting up etc can waste precious seconds & could result in the fish suffering beyond recovery. Carp are less likely to be harmed, but certainly barbel chub and pike I would think are the more vunerable. If I feel the need in future to take a picture I will, as I have done in the past retain the fish in the landing net.

[jeepster]

makes you wonder whether it's worth popping back to post when your posts get deleted

[GlennB]

makes you wonder whether it's worth popping back to post when your posts get deleted

Aaaaargh - I missed something tasty??

Repeat it on jongilbert.net, then we can all have a look and be put out of our misery

[jeepster]

i just asked paul if it's true that his ego is the only man made structure visible

from the moon

 

seems the mods take pauls ego as seriously as he does

[peter mccue]

I'll do the unhooking bit if someone cares to add information on photographing Pike....

"I'll assume you are right-handed, in which case I'll describe unhooking as I go about it. You'll find most Pikers carry this out whilst in a kneeling position.

 

Lay the fish on its left flank, head pointing towards your right hand. You may want to straddle the fish. I use my left shin to prevent the fish from flipping. I don't apply any weight on the fish, I just don't give it any room to move. With your left hand, carefully lift the gill flap a little. Have a look under the flap to see the arrangement. You'll see three sets of rakers. Make sure your fingers haven't picked up any of these and slide one finger along the gill cover, towards the chin. When you get to the chin, you'll find your finger fits nicely into an area of soft skin with no teeth, no rakers and no obstructions.

 

Lift the head and you should find its mouth will stay wide open without force. You should now have the whole mouth cavity to work with unhindered. You should have a pair of 12" forceps and a pair of wire snips at hand, nothing less. The wire cutters are for fiddly hook-ups. Sometimes it is easier to break the hooks up for quick removal. Never use the snips for cutting the wire, that's a potential death sentence. As long as you have all your unhooking tools at hand, you should find the whole unhooking operation takes less than a minute.

 

If you are struggling, don't panic. Take the fish in the net back to the water for a good breather. Give the fish and yourself a minute to calm down before carrying out any other procedures. Allow the fish a minute in the water for every minute you have it from the water.

 

Don't be scared to ask a more experienced Piker for a hand. They should gladly oblige and if asked, will show you how to cope with difficult hook-ups. Pikers love being asked for advice....it makes them feel important and necessary.

 

Once the fish has been cleared of all oral metalwork. Lift the fish with both hands and carry it back to the water. Once in the water, use your left hand to support the head and use your right hand to hold the tail root. Don't grip the tail, just form a circle with your thumb and finger which prevents the fish from going anywhere. Pike sometimes try to pull away immediately even though they are exhausted. Just keep a slight hold on the fish until you are sure it has fully recovered. Make sure the gill flaps are working and the fish can hold itself upright. When it's definitely ready to go, you will know. Release your hold and the fish should pull away immediately. Just keep an eye on the fish until it has gone. If it's a really happy soldier you'll get a free drink when it kicks its tail."

 

If I could just add a P.S. to Andys post, please use semi barbless trebles. I honestly cannot remember losing a Pike that I could say was because I was using S/B trebles, but the unhooking process becomes simplicity itself with the hooks just lifting out with no effort.

[Guest Brumagem Phil]

Jeepster, it aint paranoia if they really are out to get you mate!