The philosophy of No-Kill does not end with the release of the catch. Sport fishing goes beyond this simple action by focusing on the physical integrity of the fish, from the beginning of the fight until its release.
The essential
To maintain a safe grip, it is essential to have a properly sized landing mat such as a basin or inflatable. These are the safest. The Cam Concept DLX Inflatable Mat and the Cam Concept Carp Hammock from Starbaits are perfect. The choice between these two models will depend on your type of fishing.
Wet with abundance
Whatever the season, it is important to wet the fish in excess as well as all the material intended for its reception in order to protect its mucus (mat, conservation bag, weight slingâeuros¦). Always have water in a bucket nearby.
Position of the fish
Once exhausted, when you lift the fish or when you put it on the mat, it is essential to pay particular attention to the position of the fins which remain very fragile. They must be well placed along the body of the fish. Without that, they will break under its weight.
Condition of the equipment
Always check the condition of your equipment such as the net of the spinner and all the equipment for transporting and receiving the fish. Indeed holes, flaking plasticâeuros¦ are terrible traps for the spines and fins as well as for the body of the fish. Think of repairing them as soon as possible.
Flawless organization
The organization is necessary to save time in the various stages of depletion, reception, photo/video session and release. This process must be as short as possible and as well organized as possible in order not to damage the physical integrity of the fish.
The dropout
I see many anglers unhooking the hook without first clearing the entire rig. This is a mistake that can lead to injuries to the fish, but also to the angler. Indeed, the line wrapped around the carp is subject to its movements more or less ample. The free hook can then get stuck anywhere. Once the fish is unhooked, be careful to slide the net in the direction of the fins while making sure that a thorn is not stuck in the meshes. If you find a wound, disinfect it with potassium permanganate without wiping the wound.
Conservation bags
We have at our disposal sinking or floating bags. The choice will depend on the conditions (nature of the bottom, heatâ?¦). However, they must be used sparingly.
The retention time should be as short as possible. In the case of using a sinking retention bag, remember to insure it (float well visible). Too many carps have lost their lives, because the string of the bag had been cut (rats, rubbingsâeuros¦). Also, only one carp per bag! To know that the carps get back their strength in the bag. The photo/video session will be even more complicated. Think about it !
The photo/video session
It should be as short as possible. Here again, think about organizing everything in advance. If not, place your fish safely in a floating bag for a few minutes. As for the rest of the steps, your fish must be always wet as well as the receiving equipment. Also, never leave your carp alone in the mattress and always hold it above you when you lift it. The closer the fish is to your body and the ground, the less risk you will take. If the fish gets too excited, consider holding it down by covering its eyes before continuing the session. If it becomes unmanageable, it's best to put it back in the water and give up that cherished memory.
Return to the water
Always make sure your catch is going to go back to a place where there is enough water. A shallow depth will cause friction that can lead to injury. If possible, entering the water is still the best way to go. In any case, give the fish time to reoxygenate.
For the transport of the fish from the landing mat to the water, always use a weight sling with a closure that secures the fish perfectly. Be careful with the fins. And above all, do not carry it in your hands! The fall will be almost inevitable with the damage that you can imagine.
Disinfection and drying
More and more diseases are occurring in the waters of the hexagon. Spring viraemia, sleeping sicknessâeuros¦ The list is long. They can decimate an entire herd. So it is important to take precautions not to carry these diseases. The best solution is to clean everything, disinfect (with diluted Dakin for example), rinse and let dry. Thus, the viruses will be destroyed.
With such precautions, our catches, big or small, will not run any risk and will return to their natural environment with their physical integrity intact.
