Tennesee’s Wild Side Weekly Article

Brent Callicott's tips for Catch and Release

Since we are in the so called "dog days of summer" with the hot, humid, dry conditions, fish care is a priority for any anglers who is practicing catch and release.

If you are a Crappie or Bass tournament angler, I would like to pass along a few tips on fish care for your catch during a tournament.

Keeping your fish healthy in the livewell is VERY important for any tournament anglers and also for those who are not practicing catch and release. Many things can be done to help your fish remain healthy while in your possession.

There are really two sides of the coin when it comes to keeping your fish healthy in a tournament. All of the procedures cenerting around the weigh-in are important. However, the Bass or Crappie spend a much greater amount of time in the livewells of anglers than they do during the weigh-in.

First, fill your livewells first thing early that morning. Usually the best way to do this is to fill the livewell at your first stop of the day. Why you ask? Because the water temperature at that time of the morning will be at its coolest for one thing. This will result better aerated waters while in your tank/livewell. Use waters that come from the main bodies of water. DO NOT FILL YOUR LIVEWELLS IN THE MARINA that morning. Marina waters usually aren't as clean.

Second, turn your recirculating aerator on immediately. Set your aerator switch to manual ( continuous operation ). Run the aerator most all day, especially during very hot weather. If you have your aerator set on a timer, use it as often as possible.

Land your fish quickly and handle them as little as possible. Grasp the fish by the lower jaw ands hold them vertically. Wet your hands before touching the fish. Sometimes, it helps to support the larger fish by wetting your other hand and place it under the belly of the fish. When using landing nets, knotless nylon and rubber nets work best doing less harm to the catch.

Do not allow the fish to touch the boat carpet if at all possible.

If the fish has been hooked very deep, simply cut you line leaving the hook where it is.

Keep your fish out of the water not longer than you can hold your own breath. This is very important. When you are practicing Catch and Release on the water, have your camera ready and be quick.

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