05-30-2005, 10:00 PM
[cool][#0000ff]There are several tigers hooked every year from floatation craft (tubes, toons, etc.). Smaller ones can be tamed, unhooked and released by an individual angler. However, the big ones are best handled by a team of two. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]First of all, if one is going after those big beautiful fish, it is best to have a cradle net to help quickly capture and subdue the fish, and to prevent them from flopping around and injuring themselves or their captors. Quieting them quickly helps reduce the stress that is the biggest cause of shock and mortality among those released. A solitary tuber just doesn't have the right number of arms and hands...or the space...to carry and handle a big fish cradle net.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Sure, you can scoop a tiger into a regular mesh bag net. With a fast unhooking and a quick return to the water, many of those fish will survive. The problem, anytime you use a net on a fish, is that it removes protective slime from the skin and leaves the fish more vulnerable to fungus infections and other ailments.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You can also use one of the mechanical lip grippers. Better than using the thumb and forefinger, unless you need to lose some weight. If you use one of those, do not lift the full weight of the fish out of the water, unless you need a pic. If you do that, be sure to support the midsection of the fish with a water moistened hand. Allowing the full weight of the fish to hang from the lip gripper can not only damage mouth tissue, but can result in internal organ damage in larger fish with heavy internal organs.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]That's a lot to remember when you suddenly have a wild-eyed toothy monster attached to a small lure you were throwing for crappies or smallies. Whenever it happens, enjoy the brief time you are in that relationship, because the odds are that it will end soon...and that the fish will arrange the breakup. That is the stuff that makes lifetime memories and keeps us coming back for a rematch. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]![[Image: gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=9653;]](http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gforum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=9653;)
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[#0000ff]Our own Aquaman was fortunate enough to land a 28" tiger from his tube a year or so ago. According to him, it fought like a 50 incher. Every one is beautiful and awe inspiring.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]First of all, if one is going after those big beautiful fish, it is best to have a cradle net to help quickly capture and subdue the fish, and to prevent them from flopping around and injuring themselves or their captors. Quieting them quickly helps reduce the stress that is the biggest cause of shock and mortality among those released. A solitary tuber just doesn't have the right number of arms and hands...or the space...to carry and handle a big fish cradle net.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Sure, you can scoop a tiger into a regular mesh bag net. With a fast unhooking and a quick return to the water, many of those fish will survive. The problem, anytime you use a net on a fish, is that it removes protective slime from the skin and leaves the fish more vulnerable to fungus infections and other ailments.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]You can also use one of the mechanical lip grippers. Better than using the thumb and forefinger, unless you need to lose some weight. If you use one of those, do not lift the full weight of the fish out of the water, unless you need a pic. If you do that, be sure to support the midsection of the fish with a water moistened hand. Allowing the full weight of the fish to hang from the lip gripper can not only damage mouth tissue, but can result in internal organ damage in larger fish with heavy internal organs.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]That's a lot to remember when you suddenly have a wild-eyed toothy monster attached to a small lure you were throwing for crappies or smallies. Whenever it happens, enjoy the brief time you are in that relationship, because the odds are that it will end soon...and that the fish will arrange the breakup. That is the stuff that makes lifetime memories and keeps us coming back for a rematch. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Our own Aquaman was fortunate enough to land a 28" tiger from his tube a year or so ago. According to him, it fought like a 50 incher. Every one is beautiful and awe inspiring.[/#0000ff]
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