Super scoop. PHOTO: RIC BURNLEY
CONSCIENTIOUSLY CATCH and RELEASE THAT TROPHY
If you want that magnificent fish to survive to fight another day, think about a safe, successful release before you make your first casts. Pinch your barbs—you know how to keep a bend in the rod. Fight the fish out. Don’t land it while it’s hot. A fish that flips out at the side of the kayak is still too green. Be patient and assess the hook set. Are there exposed hooks that may harm your hand?
Have your tools ready for the de-hooking before grabbing the fish. Then grab the fish by the top of the head along its gill plates for a secure hold while de-hooking. If the fish has a problem hook set then land it gently, leaving it in the water if possible to preserve its slime coat. Make sure it’s fully recovered before the release. Let it kick off and feel the happy glow of a good deed. —Jeff Goudreau
THE SCOOP SAVE
To land an enormous catch without a gaff, first guide the fish so that it is parallel with the kayak. Then grab it by the face and use your leg to lift it into the cockpit. Beware of sharp gill rakers, which can slash like razors—use gloves. —RB
Surgical. PHOTOS: WILL RICHARDSON STICKING BIG GAME
Ready your gaff. As the tuna or other tasty target swims in tight circles, reel it within reach, taking care not to pull the fish’s head out of the water (yet). Hold the rod high in your off hand and grab the gaff. Don’t stab. Aiming for the shoulder, reach over the fish and lift up in one continuous, smooth motion. Avoid the powerful tail—you risk losing control. —Ho’ala Greevy
THE $3 SPECTRA SNIP
A pair of Kids Fiskars model 43 scissors makes short work of braided lines, cleanly cutting tag ends. The finger grip also serves as a great tool to cinch down knots. Don’t risk burying a treble in your cheek when you can pull your loop knot tight with these handy scissors. Like all tools, a post-fishing freshwater rinse and a touch of silicone spray will see them through several years of service. —John Donohue
Swim away. 44 …KAYAK ANGLER SUMMER/FALL 2011
PHOTO: JOHN DONOHUE
PHOTO: PAUL LEBOWITZ
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