In this article, “How To Safely Handle Big Carp (Fish Care)”, you’ll learn valuable tips and techniques from Rob Burgess, a Korda Koach, on how to ensure the welfare and safety of big carp. From the moment you net the fish, to weighing, photographing, and releasing it back into the water, Rob provides guidance every step of the way. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared with necessary carp kit, removing the hook in the water to prevent mouth damage, and transferring the fish to a retainer for safe handling. Rob also highlights the significance of a clear path from the water to the mat and the need to constantly monitor the fish’s condition. Additionally, he explains the essential steps to check the fish for any wounds or hook damage, treating them accordingly. Finally, Rob guides you through the process of getting the fish safely back into the water and ensuring it is ready to swim away on its own. Remember, fish care should always be a priority for responsible anglers.
Handling Equipment Preparation
Table of Contents
Before you start fishing, it’s important to make sure that all your equipment is prepared and easily accessible. This includes your Carp kit, camera kit, and cold water.
Ensuring the Carp kit is closeby
Having your Carp kit close by means that once you catch a fish, you don’t have to waste time searching for your equipment. Make sure you have everything you need, such as your scales, unhooking mat, and landing net, within reach.
Preparation of camera kit
If you want to take photos of the fish you catch, having your camera kit ready is crucial. Make sure your camera is fully charged, and you have any necessary lenses or accessories. This way, you won’t miss out on capturing those memorable moments.
Ensuring availability of cold water
Cold water is essential for the well-being of the fish you catch. It helps keep them cool and minimizes stress. Always make sure you have plenty of cold water on hand to wet your hands, unhooking mat, and sling when handling the fish.
Hook Removal
Removing the hook properly is crucial for the safety of the fish and to minimize mouth damage. It’s best to remove the hook underwater whenever possible.
Importance of removing hook underwater
When you remove the hook underwater, you reduce the risk of causing further injury to the fish. By keeping the fish submerged, you minimize stress and ensure a smoother and safer hook removal process.
Avoiding mouth damage
By removing the hook underwater, you also reduce the chances of causing mouth damage to the fish. The fish’s delicate mouth tissues can easily tear or get injured when lifting the fish out of the water with the hook still in place.
Handling of fish and rod during hook removal
To safely remove the hook, it’s important to use both hands. By removing the hook, you can eliminate the need to juggle the fish and the rod simultaneously. This makes it easier to handle the fish and reduces the risk of dropping it or injuring yourself.
Safe Transfer to the Mat
Transferring the fish from the water to the mat should be done with care to avoid any unnecessary harm. Using a sling, breaking down the net, ensuring a clear path, and enlisting help if needed are all important steps in this process.
Using a sling for the transfer
A sling is an effective tool for transferring fish safely from the water to the mat. It allows you to support the fish’s weight evenly, minimizing any potential stress or damage. Make sure you have both hands on the sling and keep the fish secure during the transfer.
How to break down the net
When the fish is in the net, it’s time to carefully break it down. Start by removing the net headfirst, moving from the head towards the tail. This way, you’re working with the scales rather than against them, reducing the risk of snagging or damaging the fish.
Procedure for a clear path from water to mat
Before you transfer the fish, ensure there is a clear path from the water to the mat. Remove any obstacles such as rods, buckets, or shoes that may hinder your movement. Having a clear path will make the transfer smoother and reduce the risk of accidentally dropping or injuring the fish.
Enlisting help when necessary
If you anticipate difficulty in transferring the fish on your own, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Rely on the assistance of a neighbor or fishery staff to ensure a safe and smooth transfer. It’s better to have extra hands available to minimize any potential stress or harm to the fish.
Preparing the Weighing Mat
Once the fish is safely on the mat, it’s important to properly prepare it to ensure the well-being of the fish. Maintaining wetness on the mat, removing obstacles and potential hazards, and properly removing the net are all crucial steps in this process.
Maintaining wetness on the mat
Keeping the mat wet is essential, especially on warm and sunny days. The wetness helps prevent the fish’s sensitive skin from drying out and becoming damaged. Use cold water to moisten the mat periodically to ensure the fish remains in a suitable environment.
Removing obstacles and potential hazards
Before continuing with any further actions, make sure the surrounding area is free of any potential hazards. Remove any rocks, sticks, or debris that may pose a risk to the fish’s safety. Providing a clear and safe environment is crucial for the well-being of the fish.
Proper removal of the net
Just like when you broke down the net during the transfer, it’s important to remove the net from the fish properly. Work from head to tail, ensuring you’re moving with the scales rather than against them. This gentle and controlled approach minimizes the risk of injuring the fish during the net removal process.
Avoiding Fish Damage
To prevent any harm to the fish during handling, there are additional steps you can take. Removing watches or jewelry, keeping the fish wet at all times, and following specific techniques when picking up the fish can help maintain its safety.
Removal of watches or jewelry
Before picking up the fish, make sure to remove any watches or jewelry that could potentially scratch or injure the fish. Even small objects can cause damage when handling the fish, so it’s best to remove any potential hazards.
Keeping the fish wet at all times
Maintaining a wet environment is crucial for the fish’s well-being. This means keeping your hands wet when handling the fish and occasionally splashing water onto the fish’s body. By keeping the fish wet, you help protect its delicate skin and prevent unnecessary stress.
Required steps when picking the fish up
When picking up the fish, make sure to use both hands. Place one hand just behind the fish’s head and the other hand supporting its belly. This grip distributes the fish’s weight evenly, reducing the risk of injuring the fish or dropping it.
Weighing the Fish
If you plan to weigh the fish, there are important considerations to ensure the accuracy and safety of the process. Calibration of scales, using a t-bar or white grip for support, and taking care during the weighing process are all crucial steps.
Calibration of scales
Before weighing the fish, it’s important to calibrate your scales properly. This ensures accurate measurements and prevents any discrepancies. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for calibrating your specific scales.
Using a t-bar or white grip for support
To avoid putting unnecessary stress on the fish during weighing, consider using a t-bar or white grip for support. These tools provide additional stability and make it easier to handle the fish without causing harm.
Care during the weighing process
When weighing the fish, handle it with care to avoid any unnecessary stress or harm. Lift the fish from the mat using the proper grip and place it gently onto the scales. Make sure to read the weight quickly and carefully without delaying the process.
Photographing the Fish
Capturing memorable photos of the fish you catch is a common practice among anglers. However, it’s crucial to prioritize the well-being of the fish during the photoshoot. Monitoring the fish, applying water when needed, and using proper photography techniques are all important considerations.
Monitoring the fish during photoshoot
While taking photos, it’s essential to constantly monitor the fish’s behavior and well-being. Pay attention to any signs of distress or discomfort and adjust your actions accordingly. If the fish appears stressed, minimize handling and return it to the water as soon as possible.
Applying water to the fish when needed
During the photoshoot, it’s important to keep the fish’s skin moist. Splash water onto the fish periodically to ensure it remains wet throughout the process. This helps protect the fish’s skin and maintain its overall well-being.
Proper techniques for fish photography
When capturing photos of the fish, use proper techniques to ensure its safety. Avoid squeezing or applying excessive pressure, as this can cause harm to the fish. Handle the fish gently and position it appropriately for the photos while minimizing any unnecessary stress.
Inspecting the Fish
Inspecting the fish after handling it is crucial to identify any potential injuries or hook damage. Checking for sores and lesions, handling any present hook damage, and using propolis in wound treatment are all essential steps in this process.
Checking for sores and lesions
Examine the fish’s body carefully for any signs of sores or lesions. Pay close attention to areas where the fish may have been hooked or injured during the fight. Identifying any wounds is important to ensure proper treatment and care for the fish.
Handling any present hook damage
If you notice any damage from the hook, handle it with care. Remove the hook gently if it remains lodged in the fish’s mouth or body. Use proper tools, such as disgorgers or forceps, to minimize any harm during the removal process.
The use of propolis in wound treatment
If the fish has any wounds or sores, it’s important to treat them properly. Dab the wound gently with a dry towel to remove any excess moisture, then apply propolis. Propolis has natural antiseptic properties and can help promote the healing process. Finally, seal the wound with a small amount of water to ensure it remains protected.
Returning the Fish to the Water
Once you’ve completed all necessary tasks and inspections, it’s time to safely return the fish to the water. Securing the fish in a retainer before the return, carrying the fish properly, and ensuring the fish’s readiness before release are important steps.
Securing fish in retainer before return
Before releasing the fish back into the water, place it in a retainer. Ensure that the retainer is fully zipped up and secure to minimize any risk of escape or injury to the fish. Keeping the fish enclosed in the retainer provides a controlled environment during the return process.
Properly carrying fish back to the water
When carrying the fish back to the water, do so with care and caution. Use both hands to support the fish’s weight and keep it close to the ground. This minimizes any potential stress on the fish and reduces the risk of dropping or injuring it during the journey.
Ensuring fish readiness before release
Before releasing the fish, make sure it is ready to go back into the water on its own accord. Observe its behavior and check for signs of alertness and readiness. If the fish appears exhausted or disoriented, take the necessary time to ensure it has fully recovered before releasing it.
Conclusion
The safety and well-being of the fish should always be a top priority for anglers. By following proper fish care techniques, such as handling equipment preparation, hook removal underwater, safe transfer to the mat, fish inspections, and secure return to the water, you can ensure that every fish goes back into the water in tip-top condition.
Taking the time and effort to handle fish with care minimizes stress, reduces injuries, and contributes to the overall health and sustainability of fish populations. By continuously learning and implementing best practices in fish care, we can protect our quarry and contribute to a responsible angling community.