|
|
mean a happy ending for big trout
RELEASING A LARGE speckled trout is a controversial
subject. Does the gesture contribute to a renewable resource or is it
a waste of time and tide?
Catch-and-release ideologies aside, one camp maintains that the
well-intended effort may serve scant purpose. The large specks more
than 25 or 26 inches long cannot handle the stress created by
catch-and-release. Most die within days, even hours, of being turned
free. Or, so the detractors claim.
The advocates of "putting 'em back" maintain that unless a big trout
suffers prolonged or uncommon abuse (gill-hooked and bleeding
profusely, for example), the fish will survive.
So, which camp is right? The answer may wait somewhere in the middle.
This is the conclusion based on the studies and observations of two
of the most knowledgeable "trout men" among the coastal scientific
community.
Bob Colura, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department research program
specialist assigned to the Perry R. Bass Marine Fisheries Research
Station near Palacios, and Jim Dailey, marine fisheries biologist
recently retired from TPWD's Palacios field office, agree that the
release of large spotted sea trout should be considered on a
"fish-to-fish" basis.
"We suspect that the bigger trout may not handle the stress of
rod-and-reel catch as well as the smaller ones," said Dailey, an avid
angler as well as scientist. "The smaller trout, say less than 16 or
18 inches, are rugged - no question about that. We've consistently
had survival rates of 90 percent on 'school trout' caught on rod and
reel and maintained for research purposes."
Dailey's conclusion was documented in a report with a title almost as
long as the typical schoolie.
The findings in "Short Term Hooking Mortality of Red Drum and Spotted
Seatrout Caught on Single Barb and Treble Hook" showed that trout
suffered a 7.3 percent mortality rate following three days of
observation. Seventy-two hours is regarded as the make-or-break point
in release survival.
Colura supported Dailey's findings. "We've taken as many as 200 small
trout at a time by fishing under the lights at night in the lower
Laguna Madre," he said. "These fish were held overnight, then
transported 5 or 6 hours by truck back here to Palacios.
"This work was done during the summer, when fish are most vulnerable
in warm water, and we rarely lost a trout that was hooked cleanly in
the mouth."
The glaring omission in this encouraging research is the lack of
study done on big trout.
"I'd say that 80 percent of the fish we observed in the hooking study
were less than 16 inches - the typical summer school trout you catch
under the lights," said Dailey.
Colura added that the largest specks caught on rod and reel and
maintained at the bass research station were "4 or 5 pounds,"
probably in the 24- to 25-inch class. Most were less than 3 pounds.
No significant number (if any) of large trophy-class trout has been
monitored.
The survival rate following catch-and-release of "trophy class" trout
remains unconfirmed; however, the biologists do have opinions based
on their work with coastal finfish. They conclude that, under proper
circumstances, big trout have at least a 50 or 60 percent chance of
survival.
Here are facts to consider:
Hook type and bait choice (including natural baits such as live
shrimp) make little difference. The key is hook placement.
A trout hooked in or near the jaw has a strong chance of survival;
conversely, a bleeding fish hooked deeply should be retained. Death
is almost certain.
They believe that the odds are the worst for big-fish survival during
the heat of summer. Fortunately, most trophy-class trout are caught
during the cooler months.
All things else aside, the experts advise landing the big trout as
quickly as possible. Dailey and Colura concur that one reason for the
high survival of small specks in the various research programs is
that the fish can be yanked almost immediately from the water. They
are overpowered by the tackle; therefore, they are not stressed from
prolonged struggle.
A larger trout usually is played until the fish is exhausted, even
rolling on its side on the surface (for controlled hand-grab or
net-stab). This extended struggle expels lactic acid from the muscles
and creates a debt that the fish might not be able to overcome. The
faster a big fish is contained, the better the chances for
survival.
And, the big trout should be promptly released. If the fish is
destined for a fresh start, have the conviction to make this decision
as soon as the fish is landed. Both biologists warned against
stringing a "maybe" fish. At best, big trout do not "string" as well
as durable reds.
Attempting to drag a big trout several hundred yards (say, back to
the boat for a photo) on a stringer almost certainly will restrict
normal breathing and increase stress. Either tote one of the compact,
relatively inexpensive water-resistant cameras (such as the Pentax IQ
Zoom 90), or, forego the photo; or, keep the fish.
The boat angler should hold a big fish in the water if a photo or
measurement is required. Use a big net, or allow the well-hooked fish
to remain on the line. The mesh of a net may scrape slime or scales,
but that treatment creates less abuse than a hard, possibly hot deck,
where the fish almost certainly will bounce and flounce.
If a weight is needed, weigh the fish in the net (to obtain an
accurate reading, weigh the empty net and subtract the difference).
Suspending a big trout from the hook of a scale may allow the fish to
flop free and fall hard.
Following release, the experts suggest monitoring the near water for
20 or 30 minutes. The wader is in a better position than the drifter
to do this (although the drifter might circle around). Either way,
staying in the area is not a major sacrifice; more big fish might be
within reach. If the released fish resurfaces, floating or
struggling, the biologists advise reclaiming and keeping it. The
chances for survival are poor. If nothing else, the weakened fish is
easy prey for a predator.
Many veteran coastal anglers are practicing catch-and-release on
quality trout, and these steps will improve the chances of survival.
Returning a big speck is a fine act of conservation, a noble gesture
to the sport and the resource, but the fisherman should be realistic.
A released fish that soon dies is a wasted effort. If the big trout
is hooked deeply, or if it is stressed by prolonged struggle or rough
handling or excessive "down time," you might as well keep it.
But, top coastal fisheries biologists conclude that given favorable
circumstances, the big trout have a good chance of surviving. Even if
the survival rate is but 50 percent, half the quality fish turned
back will remain to improve the fishery. It is a judgment call and
much gray tide remains on this significant issue. More research
specifically targeting big trout is needed, but such data is
difficult to obtain. The biologists, like the rest of us, never seem
to have an abundance of subjects.
"What we need is a comprehensive study on, say, 100 big trout, maybe
up to 30 inches or more, all caught at once on rod and reel," said
Dailey. "Come to think of it, that's one program I'd love to
volunteer for."
⌐ Texas Fish & Game Publishing Co., L.L.C. All rights reserved.
