How To Release Big Redfish
After an hour fight on light tackle in shallow warm water
most anglers are pretty worn out. Imagine
how worn out the fish is! In normal conditions, redfish
are very hearty fish that survive being caught and released.
However when water temperatures get in the mid 80's and
above... anglers need to take more precautions than normal.
Captain Richard Bradley has a few tips on releasing redfish
to be caught again.
- Don't land a big redfish, keep them in the water. If
possible, get in the water for your photographs and don't
lift the fish totally out of the water. A big redfish
has alot of weight in the internal organs, keeping them
in the water helps them survive.
- Grab their tails and move slowly back and forth until
the fish is motivated to swim on their own. This could
take some time for larger fish in warm water.
- Keep handling to the minimum. Try to not rub the slime
off the fish it protects them.
- If possible, use higher pound test in warmer water to
shorten the fight-time.
- Don't stick your hands in their gills.
- If the hook is in the throat of the fish or "gut
hooked", cut the line and don't play doctor. (Don't
use Stainless Steel hooks).
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