Handling CARP On THE Bank !
When landing the carp its all very well using he correct gear such as the landing net but it also helps to understand how we actually use this gear correctly. When we have captured our targeted fish and we have finally slipped the landing net under it and lifted we are now in the position where we can stop, take note of our achievement and also start to remember the all important safety tips when handling large fish. For single figured Carp its easy enough to grab the net , release it from the landing net handle and then roll the net down and lift the fish this way ensuring not to trap the line ( as the hook and rig is still attached to the fish). You are then able to transfer the fish to the landing mat for the next stage. The trouble with doing this for double figured fish is not only the weight you have to lift in a net, its also for when the flap around in panic when trying to lift the fish. The hook and rig can sometimes get caught in the net and with the fish thrashing about and its weight on the hook it can tare and damage the mouth.
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Transfer Larger Carp to a Retainer/weigh sling before moving to mat!
With the larger fish , from 10 lbs +, it is recommended by most fishery managers that fish should be transferred from the net to a weigh sling or retainer before lifting the fish from the water. This doesn't mean take it out of the net and risk loosing the fish in the water. What they mean is when you take the net off the handle you then slide the entire net inside the retainer. this will unsure when the fish is lifted it is supported properly. It also means if it tries to thrash around the net is not held under tension or bunched up so even if the hook is caught in the netting it will move freely and cannot cause further damages. |
" When moving fish in slings, nets or retainers ALWAYS check to position of the fins before lifting. Make sure they are flat against the carps body before attempting to lift from the water. (Imagine someone lifting you up by your arm twisted behind your back.) "
ON THE MAT
Remove the HOOK from the fish's mouth and remove the rig and line and place away from the landing mat. Now that you have the carp on the mat you need to take care when handling the fish. Place the fish onto the mat and then starting from the mouth of the fish moving backwards slide the net from out under the fish. Sliding it backwards direction will ensure you do not catch fins or lift any scales whilst removing the net. |
Now you are in the position to treat any damages that may have been caused when playing the fish or from the hook during the fight, Treat the mouth wound with anti bacterial antiseptic ointment, there are many brands of carp care liquids on the market. You should always check both sides of the carp. Check around the mouth for any other wounds apart from the hook hold and also check down the sides of the carp for signs of lifted scales or damages. |
If you find signs of damage or lifted scales these need to be treated immediately before returning the fish back to the water. When dealing with wounds on the sides of the fishes body make sure you clear the area by just wiping your hand gently over the wounded area to ensure nor bits of grit or hard particles are around the wound. Then put a good helping of ointment over the wound and using a finger or cotton bud spread the ointment over the entire area making sure it has a good coating. This will protect the wound and help it in healing properly. |
When treating a carp on the mat it can sometimes start to panic, as would you if you was in the same situation, and can start to thrash about on the mat, flapping and flipping all over the place. If this happens its important to try and calm the carp down. You can do this by placing your hand over the eyes of the carp and gently stroke the side of its body with the other hand whilst supporting it gently so it doesn't flap up again Also pouring water over the gills and head of the carp will help to keep it moist and continue to exchange oxygen through the gills.. This will usually calm the carp quickly. Another way is to cover the carp up completely using the retaining flap on your mat or cradle.
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Now that we have successfully landed our carp, removed the hook and treated all the wounds making sure the carp is safe , secure and comfortable its time for those important trophy photos and to get that important weight. Some anglers prefer to rest the carp after treatment before taking a photographs. We do this by returning the carp to the retainer and then placing it back into the water and securing the guide line to a bank stick on the bank whilst we get everything ready for weighing and photographing the carp. Weighing the fish is simple enough but some seem to struggle with the idea of keeping it over the landing mat. Using the retainer/weigh sling to keep the carp secure we lift the fish off the mat only just lifting it clear and not to high. Take the reading and then return the fish back to the mat ready for those important photos. When ever you weigh a carp make sure you ALWAYS keep it over the mat as if it slipd from your hands or starts to flap about and falls it will fall onto the mat and not hard ground.
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Now you can take you trophy photograph, make sure you have positioned the mat so you have a nice background behind you and the fish and not some horrible rubbish or bins. Make sure you are in a well lit area and not dappled sunlight. Getting the right position will make much better photos.
Now you are ready to lift the fish and take your pictures. When lifting the carp there are a few things you must do to ensure you lift the carp correctly and display it nicely for a picture......
Now you are ready to lift the fish and take your pictures. When lifting the carp there are a few things you must do to ensure you lift the carp correctly and display it nicely for a picture......
1. The position of the Hands
Make sure you slide your hand under the front of the fish sliding your hand backwards so you can position your 2 fingers around the pectoral fin of the carp and the other hand around the anal fin of the carp this will give you the best areas and a more secure hold to lift the carp properly. |
2. Lifting the Carp
When lifting the carp up make sure your fingers are in the correct places and the carp is resting on your forearms and you are now ready to lift. Gently raise the carp up and slowly roll the carp forwards until he is perfectly sat upright. If you look down the carp it will look straight from the top. Try not to bend the carp forwards or hold it to far away from your body as it will make the carp look strange in the picture. Many anglers tend to rest the one arm on their knee in a sitting position so they are sure they are not lifting the carp up to high. Again always make sure this is done over the landing mat or cradle. NEVER STAND UP WHEN HOLDING CARP OR TAKING PICS its always advisable to remain in a sat position when holding the fish. If it flaps about and you loose control of the fish it wont fall far if you let go. If you stand and drop a fish it can kill the fish. BE CAREFUL |
3. What to do if the carp Thrashes in your arms
This is one thing that all anglers hate when trying to take a picture of their latest capture. You manage to do all the work with a calm fish and then when you lift t up it begins to thrash around. The first reaction is to let go but DO NOT! Roll the carp back on your arms as though you are going to pull it into your body. This can sometimes be enough as its feels more secure when in a laid position. If the fish is still thrashing then roll the fish further back onto your arms and into your body in a gentle hug position supporting it against your chest. This will give you a more secure hold and will help to keep the fish safe whilst it calms down. If this doesn't work than gently lay the carp back down on the mat or cradle and then cover with flap / or cover the eyes and calm it this way ensuring you give it plenty of water. Once the fish has calmed down you can then attempt to lift it again and get the photos done. |
Always remember when handling fish on the bank just how long you need to keep them out of the water. try placing your head in a bucket of water and see how long you can hold your breath for. Then try and realise that although Carp can exchange oxygen from water over the gills its still like holding your breath for a very long time and can cause the carp a lot of stress and discomfort so the less time you have a fish out of the water the better. At the end of the day its all about looking after these stunning fish for future generations and the future of the sport so looking after your capture and treating them with respect will ensure the future stocks.
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Handling PIKE On THE Bank !
Fish care IS Fish care despite the species / type of fish. The only difference in handling is whether or not the fish has teeth! With predators such as pike we have to take extra care when handling the fish due to the fact that they will turn and bite you if given a chance. usually when fishing for this target species you would always be/or should be with someone who knows how to handle them and has had experience in unhooking the pike. |
When Landing pike it more advisable to use a landing net if you are unsure about holding the fish. It is also advisable to use a standard way of unhooking the fish by placing it on the landing mat and holding it secure wit one hand and with the other using a pair of forceps or pliers remove the hooks / treble from the mouth. This is easily done especially if the hook is at the front or sides of the fishes mouth. You can also sit "straddle" over the fish to help stop it flapping around whilst working but don not sit down with all your weight on the fish as you can kill it. BE CAREFULL
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You will get times where the pike has swallowed the bait further down the mouth or is deep hooked. This is where experience comes in or just being cool headed and careful as you attempt to remove the hook. If you are unsure about handling the pike then just like before you support the fish but this time you will hold open the mouth with one hand and working quickly and confidently remove the hooks with the forceps in the other hand. It is advisable to have a special unhooking glove that protects your hands from the pikes teeth but this is not necessary.
Those with a bit more experience or those who do not fear sharp teeth may use another technique when landing the fish known as "Handing" the fish out. The requires the angler to reach down to the fishes mouth, just below the jaw and using his/her fingers slide them in under the gill plate just below the jaw ensuring not to touch the Gills and grip the plate on the lower jaw. By holding the part of the jaw you can keep hold of the pike firmly and keep it under control even if it tries to flap around. |
By holding the fish in this manner with one hand and rolling that hand it forces the fish to open the jaw allowing you room to work and remove the hooks carefully. Always work quickly and confidently when handling a pike as they are delicate fish and should be kept out of the water for the least amount of time possible. When "handing" a pike out you must always watch for the dangers of flying trebles. This is where the hooks are on the outside of the mouth or the edge of the jaw and can easily catch you especially if the fish decides to flap around. Always grab the side of the mouth on the opposite side of the hook site to ensure you don't get caught.
When taking photographs of your trophy it helps to be holding the pike by the jaw and it gives you complete control over the fish. It also makes life easier to slip it back into the water.
If you have never held a pike in this way the PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT unless under the guidance of an
experienced pike angler who can show you the CORRECT way to hold the fish.
When taking photographs of your trophy it helps to be holding the pike by the jaw and it gives you complete control over the fish. It also makes life easier to slip it back into the water.
If you have never held a pike in this way the PLEASE DO NOT ATTEMPT unless under the guidance of an
experienced pike angler who can show you the CORRECT way to hold the fish.