Proper Catch & Release in Snow

[briansII]

I know I read it somewhere, but can't seem to dig it up right now. We all know laying trout on dry surfaces/ground is not good for the fish. I read _somewhere_ that laying trout on snow is also not good. IIRC, the writer said that the freezing temps of the snow was the main reason not to lay them on the snow. Can anyone point me to more info on this. Any personal thoughts/observations?

briansII

[Rockstar Fisherman]

I like this post, I asked about this last year but no one really seemed to think it was that bad of a thing to lay fish in the snow. I don't see how putting a fish on ice can be much better for it than the dirt.

Mike

[rayfound]

I don't think its too bad, but then, I don't really lay fish down on stuff.

better than dirt because its wet... its water after all. May be different if it was REALLY cold and the snow was very "dry".

[Artin]

Well I agree with Rockstar,

I always try very hard not to put the fish on the ground... I do admit that on very rare occasions I have.

As far as the ice and snow... I would think that since the fish is wet the water on its body will begin to freeze very rapidly in the cold temps causing some sort of frost bite on the fish which would damage it permanently externally as well as internally. I also think that it would damage the fishes slime as well which can cause the fish to be prone to lethal infections.

I am not a biologist, so this is my version of common sense thinking.
If anyone has an opinion on what I said, please correct me or back me up.

Good topic...
Thanks,
Artin

[209er]

I'm not touching this one. BriansII, trying to hook one, ay? I have no alcohol in my body as of now! 09er

[midger]

Logic tells me that it's not a smart thing to do. Why? Fish are cold blooded. The snow is at 32 degrees further dropping their internal body temperature. If the outside air temperature is also 32 (or far worse on the fish if the temperature is below freezing) it will only take moments for the fish's gills to start freezing as it tries to get oxygen while laying in the snow waiting for the angler to get their camera out. In the winter I try to minimize having the fish out of the water, and never lay them on snow or leave them flopping in the net.

Your mileage may vary. Folks will do what folks will do.

[Sasha]

Do not lay fish on the snow or ice....... Unless you are keeping them cold for dinner

[Sasha]

it will only take moments for the fish's gills to start freezing as it tries to get oxygen while laying in the snow waiting for the angler to get their camera out.

That is why it is good to have your buddy take shots. He can have the camera ready then you count 1,2,3 lift the fish up (either in the net or by hand) he takes the shot and you are done.

[midger]

Sasha,
I am not usually winter fishing with anybody (except when I go to Bishop), hence your advice wouldn't work. I'll just give the fish a break and wait for them to pose in their bikinis in the summer. Actually don't take all that many fish pictures anymore. The one I took on Monday was the first one in about 6 months and I left that fish in the water while I set the camera onto micro, grabbed the fish, snapped his smiling face and let him go.

[Sasha]

It is all good mike. Although I quoted your post my reply was not really directed at you. I chose to post it to give others (that like to take pics) ideas.

I personally like to go with anotrher person in the winter up here. Just in case something happens (like on my last trip to that river east). I am more likely to go solo in the late spring, summer, fall.

[Benny]

Look mom no hands!

This little guy is sitting in a little bit of water, just enough to swim away with very little handling.


I'd say keep them in the water and have a buddy there ready to take a pic. If he's not around or your fishing solo, you've still got the memory.

[midger]

I personally like to go with anotrher person in the winter up here. Just in case something happens (like on my last trip to that river east). I am more likely to go solo in the late spring, summer, fall.

I see what you mean. Plus if you go with someone and get attacked by a bear or mountain lion, you just have to be able to run faster. That's why I fish with PapaS--he won't see the lion as it will blend in with the brown winter foilage, thus giving me a head start.

[midger]

Doc, tell us what you really think...........

[209er]

Midger,
I agree with kg, you ARE funny! Now I've got alcohol but I'm cool............................really cool......I know whom briansII is aiming at. I spoke up once and got blasted!! 09er

[Ming Moua]

Thanks Brian, this is some great info.....Ming