| Ron, IT depends on how they were handled. I know a lot of people grab them over
the top of the gill plate and squeeze , since they want to avoid the gill
rakers at all cost. Well doing that seems to really put a lot of stress on
them. Unfortunately inheritant of the Northern Pike they are very high
strung and getting a decent picture while trying to keep them calm enough so
they don't move during the photo usually causes them injury.
I usually catch between 20 and 30 a year, and have yet to have one die
because of handling, (I did lose one to deep hooking, and had a buddy fillet
it for me). But, I never take pictures of them, I pretty much grab the hook
with pliers over the side of teh boat and remove the hook that way. You may
have just been very unlucky, and by posting it here I can tell you were not
happy about their demise. But sometimes, stuff just happens, even if you do
everything in your power to release them unharmed, sometimes it just isn't
enough. Take care , Chris |
Chris
Oct 4
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