there is a study that the Arkansas game & fish commission did several years back that talks about the catch and release and handling of striped & hybrid bass. The Mortality rates are also discussed. It is a great article. go to: www.agfc.com/ and go to the lake quachita management plan download. Just a thought, If anyone is interested. Clete

i didnt know they had stripers in arkansas? who gives them the money to buy the fish?

okay, guys, I have heard all the wrong ways. but now which is the "right" way to lift a fish....A boga and a wet hand behind the fish than lift? I think it has to do with the way you lift them up. Slow and steady, not hard a heavy fast jerk! I wouldn't want to be lifted by my jaw...SO how DO you DO this??? I have used a net and that seems to make the fish more stressed??what kind of net do you use? I have never had a big fish go belly up, as I do take care to see how its doing before I return it to the water...

I think all the dead fish was caused by folks that didn't take any care about removing a fish from the water or how they removed a barbed hook...which in my years of fishing seems to be the worse killer of fish. and that does happen, but not to often and even swallowed hooks can be removed with care and a steady hand.And if a fish isn't going to make it very long put it in the live well and bring it home and eat it! (that's if it is a legal fish) WHAT IS the best way...????

Using the treble hook is the worst thing we can do! And you guys are worried about netting fish?? You should alway cut 1 of the hooks off a treble hook(double hook)this will cut down at least half the fish you hurt.

wow guys,some of you turn some of the learning on this sight into a joke. I love humor, really and some of you are very witty and some are just a bore! But some folks really care about nature and fish and the environment and a lot of newbies and old experienced folks have learned many valuable lessons here on this sight. I know, I have! But if there is a better way, I'd like to hear it. no one is forcing you to change your ways, just trying to educate you...what you do with the info is up to you. Fishing is one of my passions..I rarely take photo's of fish as this can caused added stress..my choice..I am not saying I am more rightous, not at all...but I want that big fish to live so someone else can have that joy...and the big ones to ME deserve a release. Like one of you said,have fun do what you feel is right...If your thinking about your actions you usually do the right thing. not trying to hurt any one feelings...as I know some of you are so sensitive. Fishing is so much fun...I love it! And you do too or you wouldn't write in...

I have always heard that if a fish is hooked deep the best thing to do is remove the lure and he hook will eveuntually disenegrate. Is this true? I really hate it when they get it just right I always feel in the back of my mind that the fish is not going to make it. I def. know that almost everytime that I have retrieved the hook the fish didn't make it. Just curious on your thoughts of leaving the hook there.
Thanks

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