Quote:
Originally Posted by lterrero
Poor fish  |
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Was thinking the same thing!
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On a more serious note: While that's a useful tool in the right hands I'm really hoping this doesn't catch on in local waters. I can see it with Wahoo and Cow Tuna. In that arena it makes sense, since they're actually dangerous at the surface when it comes time to land them.
But, for Yellowtail and White Sea Bass? I can see guys stabbing, sacred-Cow, eight pound Calico Bass and losing them, too. God forbid Halibut...
This isn't directed at you, Mike, specifically. Again, in the right hands, from someone who's adept at stoning fish and has perfect placement (in the brain or spine), great. The other 99% of anglers who lack that skill set---not so much. Actually a spike to the brain is the most humane practice of all.
Then there's also those situations with a 400 lb, pissed off Sea Lion, trying to rip that fish out of your hands. Some fish are instantly pulled out of the water for that very reason. And a Kage will only add another step to the process.
As a full-time fishing guide I see my fair share of spastic, over excited anglers, swinging a gaff as if they're blind folded. Glancing off of gill-plates and snapping their own lines in the process. Or gaffing themselves! I even see long time anglers with equally poor gaff placement, but that's another story. Not to mention the guys who lose fish after gaffing them.
I can only imagine the same guys with a long spike and no barb...
