Ontario Shore Fishing Forum

(07-14-2015 12:00 PM)philantropie Wrote: [ -> ]How long should a fish be out of water? I'm guessing there will be all types of answers. Between Conservation/ Sport fishing, catch/ release, and keep.

I'm totally speaking conservation: catch and release; a moot answer would be as soon as possible, but I'm looking for more than that.

Depends on the fish. Carp and Bowfin generally fair well being out of the water for more than 1 minute, mainly because these fish can tolerate very low oxygen level and they can absorb oxygen by breathing air.

Other fish like trout species and minnow species that live in well oxygenated streams do not do well out of the water for too long. Some minnows will die even when kept just 20 seconds out of the water.

Personally, a rule of thumb for maximum time out of the water is the same time you can hold your breath without gasping for air. For me, that's about 30-45 seconds depending on the day.

Here's what I do for more sensitive species:

1) Keep the fish on the line in the water when you are reaching for the net, even if the fish is small enough to simply swing in.

2) Once you net the fish, keep it in the water in the net. You can unhook the fish in the net if you are close and low enough to the water.

3) If at all possible, keep the fish in the net in the water while you switch on your camera and select the right camera setting.

4) Take the fish quickly out of the net and photograph as quickly as possible.

5) While checking your pictures on the camera, put the fish back into the net so it can recover while you are looking.

6) After the picture, put the fish back into the net to recover before release.

Is it bothersome? Yes, it certainly is. But if your intention is to keep the fish in the best condition possible, then it is worthwhile.

It is absolutely important to have your net and within easy each so you do not spend too much time digging for everything.

When you add the extra task of putting the measure tape on the fish, and weight the fish on scale, you should return the fish in the net in between. If you have friend with you, your friend can photograph as you tape and weight the fish as well.

Get a scale....that has a big hook point - or put a cheap D ring on your net ..

Weigh your empty net and record the weight.

then...... simply weigh the fish in your net. Simple math will yield fish's weight.

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I would add that Pike and Muskie both have a very short "shelf life"............. and need to be released ASAP after landing to avoid mortality.

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Note, and note this well........... I don't sit well with anyone calling any member of OSF a troll. Get over yourself.

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OT

Clearly a smirking wizard.

(07-13-2015 06:02 PM)philantropie Wrote: [ -> ]Cheeky buggers aren't we?

This topic is totally *off-topic* now, an operator can close it. The thread is ruined.
#1 for being trolled I guess. Now, across the fjords and back under your bridge.

Until next time.

I find your tone and manner quite offensive, and without cause, and have reported your post.