Changing Mentality

[Naruto]

Hi guys,

Something which I have been thinking of a lot and which has come up recently , talking with some fellow anglers.

We as Conventional anglers also have a duty to look after the fish we catch. If we plan on releasing the fish, why can't we make use of unhooking mats for all the fish we catch? Or make a plan to unhook the fish directly from the landing net attached to a stand in the water.

Why use keepnets if you are not going to keep the fish?

I make use of a single hook a lot of the time and I can honestly say it hasn't had an effect on the bite temp. Why use two hooks when we hardly ever catch two fish at once? With one hook, getting snagged up is less of an issue as well.

Why use 5lbs line when socialising? Casting 100m with 10lbs or even 14lbs line is not that difficult. If you really want to fish further, get a smal inflatable or a canoe. Saw a very nice inflateable this weekend which costs R499. Ideal for taking in lines and making a feeding spot.

I am sure there are other ideas out there as well and if we work together we can make a difference.

We can call it Fish Friendly Angling...lol!

[WalkersKiller]

Great post Clint 

Where did you see that inflatable?

I agree with all your points, I never use a keep net unless I am planning to keep a small carp or 2 for the 

2 things though... We have spoken quite a lot about it before, I understand people are all about carp protection etc. why use a landing mat for Carp and not for other fish? Carp are very hardy fish and I have never used a landing mat... I net the fish, wet my hands or the surface im placing it on take a photo, revive the fish and everytime the Carp rush off out my hands. Just my thoughts bru 

I want to start a thread on my second question  so I dont hijack this one 

[Naruto]

I agree on what you say about using a mat for ALL fish. That's why I didn't post this under the Carp section. After this past weekend I realised that I would have been able to take much nicer photos if I had my unhooking mat with me. There was lot of sand and keeping the fish clean was a hassle. You can get these mats for R100. Doesnt need to be the coolest or most expensive mat either...

The main reason for this post is to see if we can't make an impact with other anglers. Lead by example...

[WalkersKiller]

I agree on what you say about using a mat for ALL fish. That's why I didn't post this under the Carp section. After this past weekend I realised that I would have been able to take much nicer photos if I had my unhooking mat with me. There was lot of sand and keeping the fish clean was a hassle. You can get these mats for R100. Doesnt need to be the coolest or most expensive mat either...

The main reason for this post is to see if we can't make an impact with other anglers. Lead by example...

Great point!!!!!

[WalkersKiller]

Check this thread bru http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php/topic,7553.msg110908.html#msg110908

[Herman Jooste]

Unless it's a trophy fish, unhook the fish in the landing net under water, subside the net, and wait untill the fish swims away.
If it's a trophy, don't unhook the fish, keep in the landing net untill someone has the camera ready, lift the fish out of the net, take the pic immediately and put the fish back in the net, underwater. Unhook the fish, then place your hand under the fish, which is still in the net.
 
Turn the net upside down, still cradling the fish, and "swim" it backwards and forwards untill it kicks out of your hand and away to freedom.