First, maybe somebody computer literate could post the link to this video on CBA for us so we can all see it without going to another web-sight.
On Tidal Fish, there is a video that you have to watch.
1) Go to the Northern Neck Virginia Angler
2) Look for the thread, 2014 Rockfish Season Recap - 12 minute video
3) Open the thread and play the video!!
Make comments:
I'll start. If you listen to many of the anglers on some of the other web - sights; these rockfish are dainty creatures that must be handled with kid gloves. I have always professed that the cows we catch during PSCR are released unharmed and will thrive when returned to the water (unless gill hooked; or 2/3 dead from lack of oxygen).
A quickly caught cow that has a picture taken and released will be fine. But, OH NO, I'm told that the process of "dragging" them behind the boat causes them to release their eggs. Or at least, it places sooooo much stress on them that the eggs will not hatch. Then I'm told that netting them, especially with a net made of something other than rubber, will cause severe damage to the fish. And don't ever get your hands near the gills!! Don't reach inside the gill plate to lift the fish, EVER.
Additionally, when you release the fish boat side, lay her in the water and wash water over the gills until she has enough strength to "break away" on her own.
If you don't adhere to these strict rules, she will die
Now don't get me wrong; I believe in safe handling techniques
I get the fish to the boat ASAP (or else the crew is going to call you Mary)
I usually don't need a net (my crew bitches that it's too small anyway) because I can lip it or Boga grip it instead. I take a quick photo, and try to place her back in the water head first. If for any reason I think we had her out of the water too long, I will resuscitate her if needed.
But the way these fish are handled, with biologists on board, shows the fish are not as sensitive as you are led to believe.
REMEMBER, these are pregnant cows loaded with eggs in late Dec, and early Jan. when this video was shot.
Ok; feel free to comment on anything in the video.
5th (Marty)