From Deseret News archives:
Dos and don'ts of how to 'catch and release'
Of concern, however, is proper catch and release procedures.
"We need anglers to properly release the fish that are critical to the management of Pineview," said Craig Schaugaard, Northern Region aquatics manager for the DWR.
The tiger muskies Schaugaard is referring to are smaller than 40 inches in length. Fish 40 inches and under feed heavily on yellow perch and other panfish at the reservoir, which helps keep the panfish populations from overpopulating and stunting. The end result is a multileveled fishery that provides a trophy-size tiger muskie fishery and a good family perch fishing spot.
Kent Sorenson, DWR habitat biologist and an experienced tiger muskie angler, said not being prepared to properly release a huge fish is the biggest mistake anglers make at Pineview.
He said the basics for successfully releasing a tiger muskie are:
1. Bring the fish in as quickly as possible. "This time of year, the fish do not have enough oxygen in the water to counter the buildup of lactic acid in their muscles that results from a long, drawn-out battle with an angler," he said. He believes many fish will not survive a long fight, especially when the fight is combined with the fish being poorly handled.
2. Have a large mesh net, 11-inch needle nose pliers and jaw openers readily accessible so you can quickly release the fish. "I have seen numerous fish with split fins that come as a result of small mesh nets," he added.
3. Take your photos quickly before releasing the fish. "Having someone with you makes that much easier, but if you are fishing alone, have your tripod and timer already set before you start fishing. I have a fish out of the water no longer than 12 seconds," he says.
The DWR Web site provides detailed information on how to land and release tiger muskies safely and efficiently. This information is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/fishing/tiger—muskie—tips.html.
