Last run of the year for those tasty rock critters

[King Saba]

Originally Posted by Saba Slayer

Here is a very simple rockfish release tool.
The bigger crate on the right is used on my skiff and the smaller basket is used from my PA. I put about 50' of rope on the basket and that gets it down past the first atmosphere and the fish can revive. I like this method because it's so much easier than having to handle and hook the fish on a descending device, plus I can drop two small fish at a time, or more than two on the skiff with the crate if a few guys are fishing.
Get those yummy fish tacos while you can...!

Thanks Jim! Not sure if I'll use the basket method since I don't have the luxury of large deck space like your PA. I'm thinking a fish grip and 16-24oz of lead should do the job.