Amanda J MHC BFT 12-14

[tunatamer4]

Capt. John-
Congrats on the fish.

You state that you slide the hook up through the gills? Isn't there a risk of still damaging them. Wouldn't you think it'd be safer for the fish if it were stuck through the lower jaw, the same as a lip gaff. I may be wrong though.

[Capt. Jon Tennant]

Capt. John-
Congrats on the fish.

You state that you slide the hook up through the gills? Isn't there a risk of still damaging them. Wouldn't you think it'd be safer for the fish if it were stuck through the lower jaw, the same as a lip gaff. I may be wrong though.

sorry, I should have been more clear... the hook does act much the same as a lip gaff. I should have said slid it under the gill plate... up over the lower jaw bone instead of risking punching through the jaw behind the bone near the main blood vessels coming from the bottom of the gills. This also makes for a lot smoother removing or releasing. It was a tug-of-war just to get it back boatside when it caught its breath. Dealing with these size fish beside the boat is a lot different than most.

[calebw]

First congratulations, did you catch on the east side or the west side? Are most of the fish being caught on the east side or on the west side?

[Cane]

sorry, I should have been more clear... the hook does act much the same as a lip gaff. I should have said slid it under the gill plate... up over the lower jaw bone instead of risking punching through the jaw behind the bone near the main blood vessels coming from the bottom of the gills. This also makes for a lot smoother removing or releasing. It was a tug-of-war just to get it back boatside when it caught its breath. Dealing with these size fish beside the boat is a lot different than most.

Nice work Jonathan and Amanda on a great release. Hope to see you in da water soon!!!!