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With the increasing number of anglers adopting the catch and release method of fishing the correct handling techniques are critical for a healthy release of our fish if we want to ensure a healthy population of sportfish for the future for us all to enjoy further, so here are my tips for handling one of our iconic freshwater sportfish, the Australian Bass.
Bass are relatively easy to handle compared to the mighty Murray Cod mainly due to the size difference between the two. A large Bass is a lot more managable, especially from a kayak than a large Murray Cod but handling of any species of fish should be done with care if the fish is intended to be released.
The first thing i do when i have a Bass beside the yak is dip both hands in the water so if i need to bring the fish into the yak i dont have to touch it at all with dry hands. I prefer not to use a net, but if i am required to its always a knotless net (Environet for example) which is a must for catch and release fishing and quite handy for newcomers that arent confident to hold a fish by the jaw with the hooks still attached.
Bass dont have teeth or any other nasties inside their mouth so it is quite easy to have the fish in the water and gently 'thumb grab' the fish on the lower jaw and remove the hook while its still in the water and then release the fish. If a quick photo is required support the belly of the fish while still holding the lower jaw and gently lift the fish out of the water for a quick photo and pop him back in the water, be prepared to get wet from the tail splash once the fish takes off!! The least amount of time out of the water as possible greatly increases the chance of a successful release.
As a general rule, a few things that should never be done with a Bass (or any other fish destined for release) is the fish should never be layed down on hard and often very hot surfaces of a kayak or boat, or held against dry clothing or carpeted areas of a boat which will remove the protective slime coating that most freshwater fish have and need. The same technique can be used for Golden perch and Estuary perch which are also increasing in numbers due to the popularity of catch and release fishing.
Bass are a great Australian sportfish which have fantastic fighting abilities and are usually found in some beautiful and remote freshwater reaches of coastal rivers and reguarly stocked into various impoundments along the East coast, so if you havent done it already, get out there and catch some Bass!!
Bass are relatively easy to handle compared to the mighty Murray Cod mainly due to the size difference between the two. A large Bass is a lot more managable, especially from a kayak than a large Murray Cod but handling of any species of fish should be done with care if the fish is intended to be released.
The first thing i do when i have a Bass beside the yak is dip both hands in the water so if i need to bring the fish into the yak i dont have to touch it at all with dry hands. I prefer not to use a net, but if i am required to its always a knotless net (Environet for example) which is a must for catch and release fishing and quite handy for newcomers that arent confident to hold a fish by the jaw with the hooks still attached.
Bass dont have teeth or any other nasties inside their mouth so it is quite easy to have the fish in the water and gently 'thumb grab' the fish on the lower jaw and remove the hook while its still in the water and then release the fish. If a quick photo is required support the belly of the fish while still holding the lower jaw and gently lift the fish out of the water for a quick photo and pop him back in the water, be prepared to get wet from the tail splash once the fish takes off!! The least amount of time out of the water as possible greatly increases the chance of a successful release.
As a general rule, a few things that should never be done with a Bass (or any other fish destined for release) is the fish should never be layed down on hard and often very hot surfaces of a kayak or boat, or held against dry clothing or carpeted areas of a boat which will remove the protective slime coating that most freshwater fish have and need. The same technique can be used for Golden perch and Estuary perch which are also increasing in numbers due to the popularity of catch and release fishing.
Bass are a great Australian sportfish which have fantastic fighting abilities and are usually found in some beautiful and remote freshwater reaches of coastal rivers and reguarly stocked into various impoundments along the East coast, so if you havent done it already, get out there and catch some Bass!!
