betareef
Well-Known Member
Please don't be offended by these thoughts. They were inspired by the "catch and release" practice of fishermen, and a comment by a local friend and hobbyist.
He told me that when snorkling over coral reef, it is very hard to catch a fish for an aquarium. Coral plays havic with nets. His solution was a small hand reel of fishing line and some very fine hooks (barbs removed). He said the fish never seemed to have any problems, eating the next day for example, so clearly little damage is done to the fishes mouth if you are careful. I used this method to catch a fast moving wrasse recently, and he has never looked back, as said, eating well the next day.
It also leads me to further respect fishermen and their efforts to release unharmed fish. This is especially good for undersized fish, returning them to survive, grow and breed.
Another comment I would make on the extent of harm caused to the fish, is that, having observed the damage fish will do to each other, using their mouths, and usually surviving, it probably isn't surprising that a hooked fish will probably be fine if treated well and released.
I hope this doesn't cause outrage and argument, truly. I know we love our fish and want the best for them.
He told me that when snorkling over coral reef, it is very hard to catch a fish for an aquarium. Coral plays havic with nets. His solution was a small hand reel of fishing line and some very fine hooks (barbs removed). He said the fish never seemed to have any problems, eating the next day for example, so clearly little damage is done to the fishes mouth if you are careful. I used this method to catch a fast moving wrasse recently, and he has never looked back, as said, eating well the next day.
It also leads me to further respect fishermen and their efforts to release unharmed fish. This is especially good for undersized fish, returning them to survive, grow and breed.
Another comment I would make on the extent of harm caused to the fish, is that, having observed the damage fish will do to each other, using their mouths, and usually surviving, it probably isn't surprising that a hooked fish will probably be fine if treated well and released.
I hope this doesn't cause outrage and argument, truly. I know we love our fish and want the best for them.
