Effective Catch and Release!!

As anglers who seek the “Biggest and Baddest” of our targeted species I’d simply like to focus some attention on the importance of catch and release this season. As fisherman many of us are looking to top past years “PB’s”. I’d like to encourage effective catch and release.
Here is a simple procedure Rainydaze Guide Service follows when an elite fish gets an inside view of “Sho Time”.
I believe planning is the most important part of the effective release of your big fish. One of the things I’ve witnessed that can prove to be deadly to your fish is too many photographers in the boat. One person taking quality pictures is sufficient, and in today’s world those pics can easily be emailed to everyone interested. Have hook removing gear and side cutters handy where everyone is aware of. Try removing the hooks while the fish remains controlled in your net while submersed in the water. Bringing the trophy into the bottom of the boat where it can thrash around will often lead to damage to the fish. Leave that fish in the water until your designated photographer give you the thumbs up. Then be very careful as you hold your fish for the pic. Remember extremely large fish have a lot of power and will surprise you if not holding tightly. DO NOT get your fingers into the red gills. Take a couple QUICK pics and the put that fish back in the water. DO NOT THROW it in. Hold the fish by tail upright and await the fish to pull out of your hands. It is very common for big fish to wear themselves out, and this fish may take several minutes to gain the needed energy to swim away.
With proper length and girth measurements along with a few good pictures a quality taxidermist will produce a fantastic replica to go along with your C&R Pics you can enjoy forever!! Better yet as a conservation minded sportsman you know someone else might someday enjoy the thrill of catching that fish again. I honestly hope the majority of anglers consider a Replica again this year. YES it is every anglers right to kill and skin mount a fish.
Last year we had roughly 20 fish that I forwarded pics and measurements to Taxidermists for creation of replicas, and only 4 fish were skin mounted. As always it is each anglers choice, but we’ll still encourage the release and replication of your PB this season.