Catching a Really Big Fish

[Greg4cocokai]

I drag 1/8" cord with 3/8 bungee and 200# test leader (My meat hook). Catch lots of 50# fish but the larger ones usually break off. We have a large freezer so keep it all. Never slow the boat to bring em in. Always bring in before dark so I don't have to fillet in the dark. Lures left after dark are usually gone in the morning!

[Teknav]

You really don't want to drag your catch, in the water, for too long; JAWS might be tempted for a succulent meal!
Mauritz

[minaret]

Originally Posted by Teknav

You really don't want to drag your catch, in the water, for too long; JAWS might be tempted for a succulent meal!
Mauritz

Better to lose the odd fish half to Jaws than bring a big thrashing bleeder aboard.

[SVNeko]

Tire him out first. Then bring him on and get him drunk.

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by bobconnie

Bleeding them is the secret! Just slice them on each side of the tail and leave them drag till they are dead then ya can bring em aboard with no mess or anything broken ! Makes for better tasteing meat because the blood is gone from the meat! And ya can use a perssure cooker and can most any fish ! We have canned tuna, mahi mahi, halibut, and a bunch more ! easy to do if it's not to hot LOL just a thought

I dont know, you may have only the head left if you do this.... I seem to have that problem even without the bleeding!
OP: smaller the lure the smaller the fish. So dont use too big a lures! Of course you still could get into a real big one but alot less likely. The key is to tire the fish out well, then gaff him to bring aboard or club him in the head a couple times.

[zeehag]

i will not bring in a fish i cannot boat by myself. i also do not pour booze into gills of a fish.
i will drown it in air so i dont have to fight it, and then boat and clean for dinner.....
i also have a niiice louisville slugger with a heavy ss gaff on it for use against whatever is appropriate.....
i do not use a rod n reel when i troll u nder sail--i use 100 or 200 pound test with a lure and a slipknot. slipknot sets hook and lets me know it is there....loop is gone--omg have fishie for dinner.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by bobconnie

Bleeding them is the secret! Just slice them on each side of the tail and leave them drag till they are dead then ya can bring em aboard with no mess or anything broken ! Makes for better tasteing meat because the blood is gone from the meat! And ya can use a perssure cooker and can most any fish ! We have canned tuna, mahi mahi, halibut, and a bunch more ! easy to do if it's not to hot LOL just a thought

My heros... This and the crock ceviche....

[tonysail1]

Ever heard of bioaccumulation? Big fish = more toxins (e.g., mercury). You are also taking the breeding stock out of the system if you take the bigger fish.

Plate sized fish are really what you are after for good eating. Barbless hooks help in catch and release of bigger fish. A handline, some bungy/shock cord and a modest lure = good eating fish. Never take more than you will immediately use.

[Richard5]

Originally Posted by tonysail1

Ever heard of bioaccumulation? Big fish = more toxins (e.g., mercury).

What say you about the VOCs associated with refueling or any number of ingestion of toxins? I'll take my chances in consuming fresh fish.

You are also taking the breeding stock out of the system if you take the bigger fish.

Not true. Depending upon species, the "breeding stock" matures at an earlier age than what you suggest. That is, a smaller fish may already have entered into the "breeding stock". Also, the total population of cruisers taking fish hardly makes a dent in the population of even a single species let alone the population of many varied species.

Plate sized fish are really what you are after for good eating.

That is what the restaurants prefer. The typical diner prefers a whole filet or steak. They don't want half. OTOH, the restaurant is constrained to portion size, hence the "plate sized" filet which comes from a smaller fish.

Barbless hooks help in catch and release of bigger fish.

Quite true. The only 'problem' is maintaining line tension. That is the sport in fishing. But when wanting to put meat on the table, bring that fish in by hook or crook.

A handline, some bungy/shock cord and a modest lure = good eating fish. Never take more than you will immediately use.

I've handlined plenty. It is a good work out and worthy of the fish giving it's life so you may eat. Whether spearfishing or fishing with a line, or hunting in the backwoods, I was taught to never take more than what I immediately need. It's good stewardship. However, when fishing, I will actively seek a larger fish to trade with natives. In such instance it is not for me to eat the fish but for them to have a fish they typically would not have gotten for themselves. Making friends and trading for prized fresh eggs or other staples is the thing. We prize the fish and are thankful that it gave it's life so we may eat. It is the way of the world. Above all, be a good steward as your comments suggest.