FS Digest

Stealthfisher Loc: Virginia

Thanks for the video.

I still would like to know how you post your YouTube videos. I only get the URL link

harleypiker Loc: WA

A couple adjustments on Pike and Muskie handling. Net them and leave the net and fish in the water to recover from the stress, especially if their fins are red and/or the water is warm (70+). Have jaw spreaders, hook cutters, and long nose pliers ready. Unhook them in the net. Let them rest again and prepare the camera, wet the measuring board, take off your sunglasses, turn the boat to the sun on the back of the camera. If you really want to weigh them--do it with them in the net! Never hang them vertically! Hold them horizontal! Take a deep breathe and don't breathe while you quickly take them from the net, measure and take the pics. Put the fish back into the water before you exhale. Hold it by the tail and let it recover. If the gills are moving, don't slide it back and forth. You might force water into its stomach. If the gills are not moving, back and forth motion may help. If he wants to swim on his own, let him go. I let one go early and he swam to the bottom in shallow, clear water and went belly up immediately. Had to bring him up with a long hook retriever and do it all over again successfully. Now your grandkids will be able to catch him again next year!!