One suggestion would be to try to take your pictures while holding the fish by it's mouth. When you lay the fish down like that, it removes the protective coating and opens the door to infections and sores. Unless you are keeping them, then it really doesn't matter I am not trying to sound condemming, but I didn't know if you realized that.
When I take the photo holding the fish they look like this...
Just don't shoot as well.
I've heard that regarding the protective coating. However, I figure the fish are out of the water for usually less than a minute and I've never even had to revive one after handling them as gently as I do. I love these fish and release them all with extraordinary care. If they can't lay on the grass for 10 seconds while I shoot them they they sure as heck won't make it in the wild with all the toxic elements they endure (i.e. run off). I assure you there has never been anyone handle them more gently than me. Thanks for the pointer and I'll keep that in mind but I don't think I'll change my process.
Being out of the water isn't the problem. Nor is the problem an immediate one that it would require reviving the fish. It is longer term in nature. In other words, you lay the fish on the grass, this removes the protective film. You safely release the fish and some time later is when the problems develop. It allows for those toxic chemicals that you are speaking of to have a greater effect on the fish.
You can and will continue to handle them however you want. I just didn't know if you realized the consequence of laying them on a dry surface like you are doing to take a picture. I was not trying to put you down, simply just stating a fact. All outdoorsmen are responsible for protecting the resources and educating one another.
If you do a search in Google under "bass handling & protective coating" I am certain that you will find plenty of evidence supporting what I am stating.
You're doing good Brice, keep up the good fishing and reports. Its tough having to sit here and look at the photos of those great looking bass, I'm jealous
You're doing good Brice, keep up the good fishing and reports. Its tough having to sit here and look at the photos of those great looking bass, I'm jealous
Thanks for the encouragement Arnulfo. Can't wait to meet up with you again. I still have the image of you landing that 43" Bull Red on your bass gear in my minds eye. That was too funny.
No secret, just look at his other post - 290, 25,00 families, 900 acres of paddle-able water - that would be tough to miss.
sS
Exactly. It's no secret. I"ve even mentioned the name in the NW forum. I've been getting pm'd like crazy.
The last reports were from Bridge Land. Take your chances people as it is private property. Also, don't leave liter or for sure they'll run us out of there.
Scubasteve wrote:Good lord man!! You been doin a lot of Urban Fishing latetly.
sS
Actually I've been doing about the same amount of fishing just decided to post a few reports. It's been fun as the response has been awesome. We have alot of people looking for places to fish only to realize there are fish all around us. Let's fish on people.