Fish-Hawk.Net

Good releasing to alll!

There is no question Michael's research is of value to the FH community....my suggestion is he approach Mike and Bobber about having it presented somewhere on the site as a reference.....it'd be great to have!

The information is 100% Valid...and I agree with it completely....

The delivery of it questionable.

RJ

It's just a reminder of the importance of in-water releases of fish during times of extreme water temperatures. I already knew that, as did you, I'm sure, but, there are, what - 1600 plus members of the site?

When a post has the possibility of doing some good, and NO possibility of doing harm, or insulting anyone, etc., maybe it can be respected for what it is.

CCB

The message is valid, the presentation is slanted.

If I wanted to become a member of Muskie's Canada I would sign up.

If I wanted to present an educated, valuable message to FH members, I would have done so in a friendly, upbeat message (with lots of smilies).

'Propaganda', could not have said it better myself.
And I know one other group that loves propaganda, and it is a 4 letter word.

Michael, it is all in the packaging. Keep sharing the info, just consider the audience.

Thanks
M.T. Livewell

I don't know about no harm ,I don't think I'll be spending time trying to unhook a thrashing northern or musky boatside. Sounds like a real invite for hooks into someones flesh,IMHO.roughrider

I checked this out earlier and I didn't see it as a big deal. To me it was a reminder, and heck, I don't fish skies or even in warm waters for that matter It says though....

"warm surface temperatures plus time out of water equals lethal stress. Consider water release during hot months."

Nothing condescending, rude, pushy, incorrect or personal about it. Simply, this is Michael's message to all, in Michael's somewhat blunt way of putting it. "Lethal" may have been the only tough pill to swallow along with an injection of a sad image. A sad but often true image.

It's his message. However it's perceived it's still a true message.

Michael, I personally, will take it for what it is.

Roughriders comment really made me think of the dangers related to muskie fishing. I believe in any situation like that (unhooking a muskie) that you need full control. I would suggest netting or using a (rather large) cradle for the fish. Pull him out of the water and restain it as best as possible and then remove the hooks. Release like you would normally for a muskie.

If you are trying to release it in the water i believe the fish would thrash about and make it very complex to gain hold of a treble. While the fish is in the water, it's his domain, and he will do anything to survive. Thrashing about may cause the fished bloodpressure to rise and cause a heart attack. He may also bang off the boat, rocks, stones, shoreline, or other objects in his unrestrained attempts to get away. if it's a small enough muskie and is thrashing about, you may have a surprise of another muskie coming by grabbing him, this may be lethal!

I believe your heart is in the right place, and you seem to respect the fish well, but there pros and cons to every thing

Thanks
GB

As an response to GB's post.

I fly fish streams for brown trout. The rivers/streams I fish have 90% fly fishers. Among fly fishers there is an accepted rule. It's not enforced but everyone adheres to it.

Here is it; When the water temp reaches 70F all fishing ceases. Everyone out of the water. Plain and simple. Perhaps musky anglers could adopt those ethics. When the water is too warm don't target Muskies go catch bass.

Please don't mention incidental catches while summer bass fishing. Lame example. An incidental catch. I've fished musky waters for bass for 30 yrs and only caught 1 musky while targeting bass

I really could appreciate the 70+ temperature rule, thats great. When you are fly fishing do you use a special net, or cradle.. and if so would you suggest it for muskie fishers?

well, i've fished three different bodies of water for muskie so far this year, and ALL THREE have had water temps above 70 so far this year....

SOOOOOO, no muskie fishing right from opener...as you'll find this year, at opener, most bodies of water had a surface temp above 70...

This is a simple message that everyone needs to see from time to time to remind them of the warm water effects on our biggest predator. Others that are new to the sport which is a lot of the people visiting this site, there are but very few experienced muskie anglers here.

Guys we have a 80 degrees rule when it comes to muskies, once that temperature is reached fish should never be taken out of water or for that matter fought on lighter line. They need to be reeled in fast and released even faster.

GreenBastard wrote:Roughriders comment really made me think of the dangers related to muskie fishing. I believe in any situation like that (unhooking a muskie) that you need full control. I would suggest netting or using a (rather large) cradle for the fish. Pull him out of the water and restain it as best as possible and then remove the hooks. Release like you would normally for a muskie.

In no situation should one ever be taking a muskie out of water in such way. The fish should be keeped in the water during the entire releasing time, except if a picture is required then the fish can be taken out of the water for the 10 seconds it takes for taking a picture or two.

As a safety issue I can tell you a muskie is more dangerous once out of water, I'm pretty sure you would be sqirming a hell of a lot more if someone held your head under water then out of, well a muskie is the same they breath in water. Once netted or craddled the fish should be keeped in the water and never I mean never be brought onboard as it can be very dangerous to all involved.

BTW unhooking fish in water without any net or craddle is the safest way to release these things. Most times you don't even need to touch them, just reach down with the long nose plyers and pull the hooks out.

This is a great example why messages like this need to be posted, people just don't know and assume what would be safer or better and they can be completely wrong.

will do!It all makes sense ive seen too many dead crappie/pike.
the fish dont taste any good when the waters warm either.
-yung

Best case is always to remove hooks in the water period, no net or cradle. Not fishing past 70 degree water temp...... hardly.... Thats the reason for 80-100lbs powerpro and heavy action sticks. Get the fish to the boat, photo, release. Simple.

I never had a problem with the post. Maybe a little blunt, but hey.....

I've been watching this post to see how it plays out.

Initially I too rolled my eyes. The message is there, but the giant image of a floating muskie tends to shadow the actual intent of the post.

Is there concern for all species in these circumstances? Of course there is. Is the content of the post accurate and informative? I believe so. Was the presentation clear in it's intent... in my opinion...... No. (nor is this the first time... but that's neither here nor there). The message was skewed by the giant image of a floating muskie. Was there a need for the image? Again, my opinion..... No.

The same message could have been presented with simple text. The image could be construed as an implication that the recent die-off of muskie is directly related to non-water release. It could also be perceived that only muskie will suffer from a non-water release. It could even be taken as a direct implication that all fishing should be ceased immediately.

This is an excellent example of how each person perceives information in a different way. Bearing that in mind, try to remember the variance of audience on Fish-Hawk.net and try to post accordingly.

For example:

Just a quick reminder for some, and possibly helpful info for others...
With the warm weather we've been experiencing, warm surface temperatures combined with time out water can cause a detrimental amount of stress on a number of fish species. So, if at all possible, try a water release.

Good luck to all - and don't forget your sunscreen!!

Good information, not directed, a heart-felt request, and a little light humour.

Just my 2 cents.

ML

Amen Misses... I too rolled my eyes. Not that I did not agree with message. I would love to see "Michael" post some stories, hints, or pictures of his fishing times instead of pounding the same message. I am beginning to think "Michael" is a fictuous user being used promote (and inflame) a message that again like I said, I do not necessarily disagree with. Michael, prove me wrong please..