Among the almost indispensable accessories for sport fishing for bluefin tuna, the tongs, or fish-grip, have a place of choice.
Once the fish is on the surface along the boat, it will allow you to control it to ensure your safety, that of the fish and to handle it more easily.
The different models
- The "big game" model, distributed by the French company Amiaud, is the one most frequently found on board boats, certainly because of its availability in stores.
Its opening of 6 cm and its resistance announced for specimens of 300 kilos are enough for the majority of the fish met on the French coasts.
- A second model, distributed by Pratiko, also exists. Available in 3 opening sizes, it is quite difficult to find in stores.
How to use it?
The clamp, measuring between 1m and 1.30 m, opens by pressing the handle and closes by releasing it.
When the fish arrives at the boat and after having lined it, that is to say having seized the line with the hand, it is necessary to manage to pinch the lower part of its mouth with the pliers. This step is not that easy, the fish will often have its mouth closed when arriving at the boat. You will surely have to do it several times while taking care not to pinch the shock leader (leader) otherwise all the efforts of the fight will be reduced to nothing.
As soon as this is achieved, I clutch slightly forward in order to have a very low speed, around 1,5 to 2 nds. This has the effect of creating a current and thus oxygenating the fish.
Now you have enough time to unhook it, take some pictures without taking it out of the water and release it in the best possible conditions. Do not hesitate to make this period of oxygenation last, especially after a long fight.
Mistakes to avoid
Some pliers have a major defect, namely if you push your pliers towards the fish, the jaws tend to open. To avoid this, constantly maintain pressure on the opposite side of the fish to avoid this kind of inconvenience.
Also, remember to secure your pliers with a small piece of wire to prevent them from slipping out of your hands.
