06-05-2008, 04:05 AM
I almost always practice C&R. I always use a net, though. From the experience I have had, the net keeps the fish from thrashing around. I've had a pickerel almost rip his own head off thrashing about, trying to free the hook from his mouth. Bass and trout also can hurt themselves.
My primary concern is the fish's health after I land them. I'd rather wreck my lure than hurt the fish.
I have been pressing the barb down on my spinnerbaits after I catch the fish. The barb really helps save bad hooksets. I'll utilize the barb's help landing the fish and then mash it down before I pull the hook back out. It really saves on tearing the fish's mouth.
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My primary concern is the fish's health after I land them. I'd rather wreck my lure than hurt the fish.
I have been pressing the barb down on my spinnerbaits after I catch the fish. The barb really helps save bad hooksets. I'll utilize the barb's help landing the fish and then mash it down before I pull the hook back out. It really saves on tearing the fish's mouth.
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