12 replies to this topic

[mr_fitzz]

Thought this maybe useful as we need to look after are carp, feel free to add to this.


Guidelines are designed to minimise the handling of carp and to return the carp unharmed
as soon as posible.

The landing
When the fish has been netted allow it a few moments rest before lifting from the water.
The longer the fight the longer time the fish should be given to recover.
Allways check the fins are lying flat against the body before lifting.
Before lifting check the hookpoint Is not exposed,as this can tear against the weight of the fish.
If possible remove the hook with the fish In the water before the lift.
Position the unhooking mat so that the fish is transported the shortest possible distance.

Unhooking
Ensure the unhooking mat has been wetted before the fish is placed on to it.
Ensure the mat is large enough to safely cushion the fish.
Lay the fish gently on to the mat,again ensuring that the fins are not twisted or bent backwards.
Carp should never be put on their stomachs,as it contains vital organs & is highly sensitive.

most hooks are easily removed using thumb and forefingers, The vast majority of carp hooked, Are in the bottom
lip,this should simply pop the hook out with minimum fuss.
For deeper hook holds it may be necessary to use a pair of forceps.

Weighing
zip up both ends of the sling keeping the fish low and over the unhooking mat at all times
Again look at the fins to make sure they are not bent.

Before the weigh, make sure the sling is wetted and zero the sling.
If you can get somone to slip the sling under the fish as you hold it low over the unhooking mat.

Photography
Hold the fish low and over the unhooking mat at all times
If the carp flaps. lower it back down to the mat and lean over it,If It flaps before you can get it down to the unhooking mat, then hold the fish firmly to your chest with both arms around it, at the same time lean forward so that the carp is close to the unhooking mat.

Never stand up with the fish

Try to return the carp as quickly as possible, carp should not be out of the water for more then a few minutes.

The Return
Carry the fish to the water in the carp sling (zipped)
Never carry the fish in your arms
useing the sling simply unzip the end (with head pointing out) and flood the sling with water, the carp should swim out.
Occasionally the carp will need alittle time to recover before swiming off,support the fish until its ready to go.

Edited by mr_fitzz, 27 September 2006 - 02:04 PM.

[Eich]

Very good guidelines. I suggest that people print these, laminate if possible and read, read, read in between bites. GOOD STUFF!

Ray

Edited by Eich, 27 September 2006 - 04:36 AM.

[mr_fitzz]

Thanks Ray, most of this came from Fox, But I thought It would be a good to type and post, I see so many pics of carp not put on a mat or even grass (the next best thing), Im not judging anyone, But putting your fish on a hard or rocky ground to take a pic, just seems wrong (to me) as we all know that carp like to flap around.
I dont want to get into a slanging thing over this, but a $10.00 carp mat dose not seem to much to pay and Im sure the fish will be greatful.

Edited by mr_fitzz, 29 September 2006 - 06:50 PM.

[macfish]

macfish here. mr fitzz/Kev, great wisdom there. Thanks for having the presence of mind to share it with us. Most of the mistakes you mentioned I think I've committed, mostly because of not thinking beforehand about how I would do it. If I had read this a few fish would have been treated better. I now do a much better job but there's room for improvement. Thanks, Jonathan

Edited by macfish, 29 September 2006 - 06:57 PM.

[mr_fitzz]

Me and you both Jonathan, I still find myself making mistakes, but not as many as I used to, I just try to get them back In the water as fast as possible, I only take pics of fish over 15lbs, anything under, I just unhook and let go, most of them dont leave the water.
I just wish some of the bigger unhooking mats with the high sides were alittle cheaper, Nash makes a great unhooking mat, with large sides to stop the fish from leaving the mat, I forget the price but It's up there.

[snakecharmer]

One thing I'd like to add. If you wear a watch, please remove it before pickung up a carp. Steel clasps can, and will, cause damage.

[buster]

One thing I'd like to add. If you wear a watch, please remove it before pickung up a carp. Steel clasps can, and will, cause damage.

Uhh--That raises the question----- why would anybody pick a carp up??? That causes damage in itself, and really raises the risk of dropping one by a few % points.

They ain't kitty Kats.---and they stink.

[Big Carphuna]

Cats stink too.

[buster]

Cats stink too.

Yeah--But Kats land on their feet--always-----unless you ----Oh--never mind.