A question for fellow Yak Fisherman. - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

PE.rider · 06-13-2013, 12:26 AM

Aside from feeling bad, there is nothing else you can do but release the fish.

I try to minimize these type of situations by primarily using circle hooks, which are designed to hook fish along the side of the jawbone. Not perfect, but helps with the odds. Moreover, I also use hooks on my jigs and lures with the barb pinched down.

If the fish is gut-hooked and you've unknowingly fought it for several minutes before netting or gripping it, it's most likely suffered heavy lacerations to it's internal organs. However, some fish are hardy, and may survive. If you are a man of faith, it's all in God's hands. If you are not, then it is in Mother Nature's hands and the fish becomes recycled into the environment as a meal to other life in the sea.

Ultimately, you still can't keep it, as it would be an infraction of the regulations. The DFW warden will still slap you with a hefty fine, so it's just not worth it.

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06-13-2013, 12:26 AM	#2
PE.rider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: OC, CA Posts: 234	Aside from feeling bad, there is nothing else you can do but release the fish. I try to minimize these type of situations by primarily using circle hooks, which are designed to hook fish along the side of the jawbone. Not perfect, but helps with the odds. Moreover, I also use hooks on my jigs and lures with the barb pinched down. If the fish is gut-hooked and you've unknowingly fought it for several minutes before netting or gripping it, it's most likely suffered heavy lacerations to it's internal organs. However, some fish are hardy, and may survive. If you are a man of faith, it's all in God's hands. If you are not, then it is in Mother Nature's hands and the fish becomes recycled into the environment as a meal to other life in the sea. Ultimately, you still can't keep it, as it would be an infraction of the regulations. The DFW warden will still slap you with a hefty fine, so it's just not worth it.