MFF ORIS Comp: Discussion

[shanook]

also the flags I suppose eh Skip

[skip]

You're right best to say all ORIS related material

[OKUMA-1976]

well done skip & co

[framerc]

That's a good number of participants. Well done to all of you and thanks to all sponsors.

[Jonathan]

One of the rules of the competition is that "All swordfish and Bluefin Tuna MUST be released as per local regulations". Further down in the rules, it says that "Any vessel caught .. breaking the rules will be disqualified immediately". This highlights the importance to all teams of ensuring that any swordfish and bluefin tuna caught are immediately released!

Once on this subject, I also wished to raise a point for discussion. In the case of a hookup with a BFT or a swordfish, what's the best way of releasing the fish in such a way that it will survive the ordeal? 

As a start, it's obvious that gaffing (tiggancja) il-huta is out of the question since this will definitely kill it.

But should one merely cut the leader? In this case what about the hook, possibly stainless steel, in the fish's mouth? Would this corrode, or get released by itself, quickly enough in the sea or would it cause the fish unnecessary pain / death?

Should the best approach change according to whether one is using plastic skirts (with single or double hooks) or minnow types lures with treble hooks (klapar)?

Should one try to net the fish and undo the hook? I can see this possible with a BFT which tires at the end of a fight, but a swordfish??

Does anyone have good experience / knowledge on the matter which may be shared here?

[The_Gaffer]

Jonathan - You are correct.  Any boat/skipper caught breaking the rules will be disqualified. The rules state clearly that all Bluefin Tuna and Swordfish must be released.  The same applies during the checking of boats.  Any skipper/boat having tackle/nets which are listed as illigal found during the inspection will be automatically disqualified.   I do hope none of the inspectors come across a hidden Alonga!!

It was for this reason that during the briefing I emphasised that the judges decision is final. 

The best way to release a swordfish is highlighted here:

http://www.pakula.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=169&Itemid=314

[Jonathan]

Very interesting article - Thanks for sharing Joe.

In summary it basically suggests bringing a billfish (eg. pixxispad) alongside the boat, keeping the boat moving forward, tying it temporarily from its bill (mix-xabla), removing the hook, then releasing the fish. It talks about using some "hook out guns". Has anyone seen these for sale locally?

Also what would the best approach be if the sides of the boat are a bit too high to reach a fish in the water &/or the fish in question is a BFT with no bill to tie onto? Would you stop the boat totally or leave it moving forward whilst you're working at the stern? Would it be best to then try to bring then fish onboard to release the hook, then put it back in or is it better to cut the leader?

Pakula's article says its far better for the wellbeing of the fish to get the hook out of it which is what one would have expected, so how should one best go about this in alternative scenarios to that described in Pakula's article?

[shanook]

the hook out gun is like the straight hook out with w handle and a trigger to tighten it against the hook shank. Its not that easy to unhook a fish, well put it this way easier said than done, for a swordfish u need good kevlar gloves, and u have to have a fish that behaves, if it has been tired in the fight then its quite easy but if it has some fight left be careful thats all i say. If a swordfish is caught in my opinion its better to release by cutting the line as close as possible to the hook. If its a Stainless steel hook than try to unhook the fish.
For a tuna, well a tuna usually 99.9% it is exhausted when u get it alongside, it could even be dead, tuna have that tendency to just die, they put so much effort to escape that by the time they are alongside they dont have seem to have the will to live. But if the tuna is still alive it can be easily unhooked for 2 reasons. One the fight is so intense that the hook (if caught in the mouth) usually widens the hole its in and is easily taken out. Second the fish is tired so doesnt fight u while u are unhooking. these in theory are easily done but every hookup is different and u have to be the judge of what u do. Do not put ur life in danger for a fish. Never forget these are very strong fish that want to survive so be careful. I have seen a friend pulled in the water by a 90kg tuna so never underestimate the fish.
I think its good to catch and release but I am also against releasing a fish that is dead........

[Moonwalker]

Local rules say that all tuna should be released even if dead right?

[twoutes]

Local rules say that all tuna should be released even if dead right?

Yes that's definite.

Please note that the 'Bill Rope' and 'Snooter' work well on most bill fish species (Black marlin, Blue marlin, Striped marlin, white marlin, and sailfish) as they have a rough cylidercal or oval shaped bill. The broadbill or swordfish has more of a flat 'broad' bill which may cause the mentioned tools to slip off.
Trying to secure a broadbill or swordfish with this method may just cause more stress to the fish.

As Shanook mentioned it would be best (and much safer) to cut the leader as short as possible for a quick release with minimal stress. It is also advisable to keep the boat moving at a slow pace, and the fish will swim alongside the boat, hopefully giving you some time to take photos of such a great catch.
Don't worry too much if you have used a stainless steel hook (except for its cost). I have caught many a marlin with old hooks still embedded in their bill.

Small tuna can be carefully lifted into your boat. By holding them upside down they will remain very still for you (hopefully) while you remove the hook for a quick release, and larger ones kept in the water, and the leader cut as short as possible.
Again, don't forget to take some photos, and enjoy watch it swimming away in good health to fight another day.
I hope you all get the opportunity to practice catch and release...you will find it very exhilarating.

Good luck

[shanook]

opps should have left twoutes to answer this as he has caught and released a LOT more fish that I can hope to see at the fishmarket.

[malteser_74]

During the competition briefing it was mentioned that only one hook per line would be permitted.

What about all thoseusinglive bait witha a main hook and a pilot hook?

What about the fishing lures that have 2 or 3 multiple hooks?

Can this statement be clarified?

[ganni]

I think that it was said 1 lure per line and not one hook per line

[skip]

Official Responses:

As correctly stated by Jonathan, One of the rules of the competition is that "All swordfish and Bluefin Tuna MUST be released as per local regulations". And that "Any vessel caught .. breaking the rules will be disqualified immediately".

If you are caught with Bluefin Tuna or Swordfish on board during the weigh-in you WILL be disqualified

Issue with number of hooks:The rules state that no long lines can be used, during the briefing we mentioned only one hooked lure but we did not expand on the issue of live bait rigging. If you intend to use live bait then we will permit a pilot hook so that you can have a hook in the nose and a hook under the belly for drifting/trolling.

Rapala style lures which typically have two treble hooks are permitted

Daisy Chains are permitted, so long as you only have one chase bait that is rigged with a hook

The inspection judges will be informed accordingly.

[albatros]

Qed issemmu alungi. bnazzi weekend.