Randy
06-11-2005, 10:04 AM
As C.P.R.( Catch Photograph and Release) becomes more and more excepted by anglers. CPR is almost a standard practice, for those big trophy catfish by many, these days..
Here are some things I have been shown and have learned along the way when handling those big catfish.
After the catfish is in the boat, we leave it in the net, to weigh it. This prevents it from slipping or squirming and plopping on the floor. Thus injuring itself.
** Note be sure to deduct the weight of the net from the weight shown on the scale.
Some of these trophy catfish may be eligible for T.P.W.D's Catch and Release Award. If the length meets the requirements.
To get a good measurement keep the catfish on the floor.Put the head of the fish up against the side of the boat and pull a tape measure. *** Be careful that the metal tape measure does not cut the fish when doing so. If you have one, use a cloth type measuring tape.
Now for the photos, Sometimes it may not be practical or possible to pick and hold the catfish for a photo,
That is OK, leave it on the floor for the photo.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/thecatfishboat/randyblue.jpg
If you do hold the catfish for the photo, try to give the belly some support.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/thecatfishboat/camerans34er.jpg
Be careful not to pick the catfish up from the gills.
When releasing the catfish back into the water.,
Don't just chunk it over the side.
Gently pick the catfish up and ease it over into the water. Sometimes it may swim off as soon as it is lowered in to the water. Sometimes it may swim around on it's side for a few minutes until it revives.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/thecatfishboat/johncrp2b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/thecatfishboat/cpr4a.jpg
If you are releasing the catfish from the boat, turn the motor off. This may prevent the distraught fish from swimming under the boat and into the prop.
Catch and Release is just what it says. It must swim away.....
If the catfish floats guess what,,, Clean it.....
If for some reason you have the catfish out of the water, especially in the sunlight, for example, having to make a run back to shore for a scale or a camera. Take some wet rags or even a shirt and cover the eyes and as much of the body as you can. Keep the catfish out of the water for the least amount of time you can and keep it wet.The lesson here is ,Take the scales and the camera with you.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/dlpiper/CPR/Steven02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/dlpiper/CPR/Steven03.jpg
Here are some things I have been shown and have learned along the way when handling those big catfish.
After the catfish is in the boat, we leave it in the net, to weigh it. This prevents it from slipping or squirming and plopping on the floor. Thus injuring itself.
** Note be sure to deduct the weight of the net from the weight shown on the scale.
Some of these trophy catfish may be eligible for T.P.W.D's Catch and Release Award. If the length meets the requirements.
To get a good measurement keep the catfish on the floor.Put the head of the fish up against the side of the boat and pull a tape measure. *** Be careful that the metal tape measure does not cut the fish when doing so. If you have one, use a cloth type measuring tape.
Now for the photos, Sometimes it may not be practical or possible to pick and hold the catfish for a photo,
That is OK, leave it on the floor for the photo.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/thecatfishboat/randyblue.jpg
If you do hold the catfish for the photo, try to give the belly some support.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/thecatfishboat/camerans34er.jpg
Be careful not to pick the catfish up from the gills.
When releasing the catfish back into the water.,
Don't just chunk it over the side.
Gently pick the catfish up and ease it over into the water. Sometimes it may swim off as soon as it is lowered in to the water. Sometimes it may swim around on it's side for a few minutes until it revives.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/thecatfishboat/johncrp2b.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/thecatfishboat/cpr4a.jpg
If you are releasing the catfish from the boat, turn the motor off. This may prevent the distraught fish from swimming under the boat and into the prop.
Catch and Release is just what it says. It must swim away.....
If the catfish floats guess what,,, Clean it.....
If for some reason you have the catfish out of the water, especially in the sunlight, for example, having to make a run back to shore for a scale or a camera. Take some wet rags or even a shirt and cover the eyes and as much of the body as you can. Keep the catfish out of the water for the least amount of time you can and keep it wet.The lesson here is ,Take the scales and the camera with you.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/dlpiper/CPR/Steven02.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v479/dlpiper/CPR/Steven03.jpg