My big fat mistake - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

taggermike · 08-19-2011, 01:40 PM

Your post kinda chapps me I have to say. That is no way to handle a prized fish. Mistakes get made and thats how we learn though. Try this; land, secure, then bleed your catch. YT are easy to handle bare handed. They have a tail that is easy to grip, no teeth so the face grab works, and gills you can shove your hand in to. It can get messy but pull the fish in to the yak and pin it down under your thighs as you secure it with a rope or clip. Loosen your drag a bit when you grab, gaff, or net your fish so if you miss the sudden run will not break your line. I don't consider a fish "landed" untill it is in the hatch. And just relax at the end game, be deliberate and steady. You'll get it. Mike

08-19-2011, 01:40 PM	#22
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	Your post kinda chapps me I have to say. That is no way to handle a prized fish. Mistakes get made and thats how we learn though. Try this; land, secure, then bleed your catch. YT are easy to handle bare handed. They have a tail that is easy to grip, no teeth so the face grab works, and gills you can shove your hand in to. It can get messy but pull the fish in to the yak and pin it down under your thighs as you secure it with a rope or clip. Loosen your drag a bit when you grab, gaff, or net your fish so if you miss the sudden run will not break your line. I don't consider a fish "landed" untill it is in the hatch. And just relax at the end game, be deliberate and steady. You'll get it. Mike