12-23-2010, 08:05 PM
This is a good topic and I don't know if enough studies have been done to officially qualify ice as being worse than the ground. I have read that ice and snow shock the fish and can cause damage to the slime layer. I am thinking that the air temperature would have a big role to play in that. Apparently the gills can be subject to cold damage. Warmer and slushier may be better. But I don't have any references to studies on that.
That being said, I am guilty of putting fish on the ground or grass for a picture. I usually wet the grass first, but apparently even that isn't the best. Oh well! We try. If I am in doubt of the survivability, then, if it is legal to harvest, I do. I eat a lot of fish, not many trout though, I just don't care to, not that they are in anyway "special". Many other species are tastier!!!
The problems, that I understand for C&R of all fish, not just trout, are many. Most don't result in instant mortality. First is the amount of time they are out of the water, next is how long was the fish fought, then damage to the gills from sever cold, dirt, or handling, then protection of the slime layer, last is temperature shock, including warm as well as cold. Low oxygen levels in warm water is a big baddy.
Most of these can result in what is referred to as delayed mortality. They may swim away, but not make it later, whether it is one hour or days later. The slime layer is the fish's defense against disease, fungus, and parasites. Damage to it can result in death 4 to 6 months later. There will always be angling mortalities, that is part of fishing, but we can try to reduce the numbers of accidental mortality. You wouldn't carelessly trample and uproot young plants and fruits in your garden as you harvest the ripe fruits. To me fishing is much the same kind of stewardship.
From my own research it seems that wet hands are the best for lifting fish, and neoprene gloves next.
I wrote to Idaho Fish and Game they were cautious in their reply.
Here is my question and here is their answer:
Sent: Thursday, December 23, 2010 10:53 AM
To: IDFGINFO
Subject: Winter fish release
This message was sent from the IDFG website.
Can you tell me if laying a fish on snow or ice for a picture is detrimental to their survival? Are there any studies on delayed mortality and ice fishing or sever cold conditions? Is shock a factor, or do the gills and mucous layer receive injury? Is there a "best" surface to use?
Thank you
Answer:
We don’t recommend that you place the fish on the ground if you are going to release it after you take the picture.
These are our recommendations for photographing your catch to give them the best chance at survival after release:
Taking Photographs (2011-2012 Fishing Rules, page 47)
Photographs of a trophy catch can provide priceless memories of a great fishing trip, but anglers should use care to take the
photo responsibly. Here are things you can do to capture that special image and allow the fish to fight another day (remember
– sturgeon can’t be removed from the water):
• Have the camera ready and the shot framed before removing the fish from the water.
• When lifting a fish from the water wet your hands before touching the fish and support the fish with both hands as
you gently lift it from the water.
• Strive to hold the fish over the water so if it struggles from your hands it will fall back in the water and not onto a hard
surface such as a rock or a boat floor.
• Hold the fish out of the water only as long as it takes to take a picture.
idfginfo
[signature]
That being said, I am guilty of putting fish on the ground or grass for a picture. I usually wet the grass first, but apparently even that isn't the best. Oh well! We try. If I am in doubt of the survivability, then, if it is legal to harvest, I do. I eat a lot of fish, not many trout though, I just don't care to, not that they are in anyway "special". Many other species are tastier!!!
The problems, that I understand for C&R of all fish, not just trout, are many. Most don't result in instant mortality. First is the amount of time they are out of the water, next is how long was the fish fought, then damage to the gills from sever cold, dirt, or handling, then protection of the slime layer, last is temperature shock, including warm as well as cold. Low oxygen levels in warm water is a big baddy.
Most of these can result in what is referred to as delayed mortality. They may swim away, but not make it later, whether it is one hour or days later. The slime layer is the fish's defense against disease, fungus, and parasites. Damage to it can result in death 4 to 6 months later. There will always be angling mortalities, that is part of fishing, but we can try to reduce the numbers of accidental mortality. You wouldn't carelessly trample and uproot young plants and fruits in your garden as you harvest the ripe fruits. To me fishing is much the same kind of stewardship.
From my own research it seems that wet hands are the best for lifting fish, and neoprene gloves next.
I wrote to Idaho Fish and Game they were cautious in their reply.
Here is my question and here is their answer:
Sent: Thursday, December 23, 2010 10:53 AM
To: IDFGINFO
Subject: Winter fish release
This message was sent from the IDFG website.
Can you tell me if laying a fish on snow or ice for a picture is detrimental to their survival? Are there any studies on delayed mortality and ice fishing or sever cold conditions? Is shock a factor, or do the gills and mucous layer receive injury? Is there a "best" surface to use?
Thank you
Answer:
We don’t recommend that you place the fish on the ground if you are going to release it after you take the picture.
These are our recommendations for photographing your catch to give them the best chance at survival after release:
Taking Photographs (2011-2012 Fishing Rules, page 47)
Photographs of a trophy catch can provide priceless memories of a great fishing trip, but anglers should use care to take the
photo responsibly. Here are things you can do to capture that special image and allow the fish to fight another day (remember
– sturgeon can’t be removed from the water):
• Have the camera ready and the shot framed before removing the fish from the water.
• When lifting a fish from the water wet your hands before touching the fish and support the fish with both hands as
you gently lift it from the water.
• Strive to hold the fish over the water so if it struggles from your hands it will fall back in the water and not onto a hard
surface such as a rock or a boat floor.
• Hold the fish out of the water only as long as it takes to take a picture.
idfginfo
[signature]