what do you do when a fish goes under the boat?

[mako moron]

Sitting at my house tying knots and trying to get better for next year I want to know what some of you do when a fish goes under the boat and gets hung up in the props. I have worked on boats that will send a jig down on the other side and hook the line, bring it up and retie it. Although I have never been on the boat when this happened so I have never witnessed it first hand. My question is. What knot would you use? would you use a vacant rod to reattach or the original one? and if you have ever done this, have you gotten the fish? Practicing with my couch being the "boat", the quickest knot I have been able to tie is the albright. Even though I hardly ever tie it. this also allows me to tie it before cutting the line. If I were to do this with a fish on the other end I would need someone else to hang on while I tie it. I hope there is something easier. (other than not letting the fish get into the running gear) obviously I have not tried this in the field but would like to feel confident that I am doing everything to get the fish.

[DropinBack]

Position the boat to prevent it from going under the boat... and if it does... put the rod as far in the water as possible to get it out...

Unless the angler is not experienced, fish should not be getting stuck in the prop with proper boat control...

[captian]

It's 3:30 am on a fall night in the Hudson canyon. I'm standing on the deck leaning up against the aft coming. I feel that familiar tug on my 50TW. It's Mr. Yellow Fin in the 80.lbs class. Once Mr. Yellow fin does what is expected and long awaited, a screaming run against 25lbs. of pressure, he finally comes to the surface. Still with a good amount of fight in him, he makes a B-line for the starboard aft section. With no time to spare and the boat set up on the hook for the night a good friend reached over and grabbed a stainless steel pole, he had brought along. It had a u shape on the end, was about 10 feet long. He caught the line in the U bend. He pushed down and pulled toward him as hard as he could, allowing the pole to pivot off the rub rail. Not only did he prevent the fish from tangling in the prop, he also changed the direction of the fish. The fish became exhausted shortly after and ended up in the fish box. After witnessing this maneuver several times throughout the night, especially when a tuna tried to run under the swim platform, I was convinced to purchase this fishing tool when I returned to shore. Simple concept, but moral of the story, prevent the fish from ever having a chance to tangle in the props, you’ll be better off in the long run.

[d-a]

On larger party boats, I have put the reel into freespool and quickly walked around the bow of the boat staying away from the screws.

The pushpole with the "U" on it works too but not always handy enough

d-a

[tmas]

like everyne else said avoid the problem. a line pusher is a valuable tool. I have seen the jig trick work before and have done it succesfully myself too. When i did it, i did what i knew not sure it was the best but it worked. took a spare rod and tied a double real quick. we got the line in the wheel with a jig. made a single line to double line connection with and albright. when i have been on the boat the other times we have had success with this i think joe used a blood knot. Unfortantentley it happens best bet is to avoid it but when you are on anchor at night in the canyons hard to move the boat. It a good feeling when you get one on the deck like that. good luck

[JonnyD]

We have a line pusher welded on the back side of our long gaff heads, that way the mate, or whoever is standing by can make sure the line stays clear of anything sharp, like the entire bottom of the boat. He can then gaff the fish when he is ready. Its a simple u shape on the back of the curve and it works great. As soon as thew fish comes under a corner you just push the back of the gaff down against it and you can clear the rudders and props.

[JD5652]

I've used an extendable boat hook with success in this situation. Always keep them handy in the cockpit right on the bridge ladder.

[Fffiisshh0]

always the first choice is not to let it happen! Well it does. This may not be the best, but it worked!! New England and 50 degree water. We tried the boat hook, catching the line with jig, sliding a trolling weight down the line, then the ultimate in committment, the snorkel! We landed this 67", 175lb fish. The line had made a complete loop around the rudder!

[gman]

always the first choice is not to let it happen! Well it does. This may not be the best, but it worked!! New England and 50 degree water. We tried the boat hook, catching the line with jig, sliding a trolling weight down the line, then the ultimate in committment, the snorkel! We landed this 67", 175lb fish. The line had made a complete loop around the rudder!

Balls of steel

[Captain Michael Buffington]

Sitting at my house tying knots and trying to get better for next year I want to know what some of you do when a fish goes under the boat and gets hung up in the props. I have worked on boats that will send a jig down on the other side and hook the line, bring it up and retie it. Although I have never been on the boat when this happened so I have never witnessed it first hand. My question is. What knot would you use? would you use a vacant rod to reattach or the original one? and if you have ever done this, have you gotten the fish? Practicing with my couch being the "boat", the quickest knot I have been able to tie is the albright. Even though I hardly ever tie it. this also allows me to tie it before cutting the line. If I were to do this with a fish on the other end I would need someone else to hang on while I tie it. I hope there is something easier. (other than not letting the fish get into the running gear) obviously I have not tried this in the field but would like to feel confident that I am doing everything to get the fish.

here is how and yes it has worked for me 100's of times for all kinds of stuff. Getting tarpon out of mangroves, line out of the wheels, superduperclusterfuckedup small fish entangled in quality fish, all sorts of things. Every angler should be able to tie this one.



Mike