Hello All, Let me open a discussion on winter fishing because there are a few questions that have occasionally bothered me. Although I�ll fish in freezing weather, sometimes I�ve wondered whether it�s wise from the catch and release perspective. You know, so many articles will say stuff like �fish can�t waste energy chasing low-calorie items, so put on a big streamer that looks meaty..� etc, etc.
Which makes me wonder -- If that�s really true, what�s the net effect on the fish from fighting, being landed and released when temperatures are so low? Standard C&R technique will have us support the fish, head upstream, until it regains equilibrium and can swim away on its own. But, is this recovery process adequate or might the stress cause problems hours later? Does anyone know of any mortality studies that address this topic? I�ve read that cold temperatures lower the fish�s metabolic rate, so less food is needed and they move around far less. Also, it�s easier for oxygen to mix in colder water, so maybe that helps a bit. Any comments? Thanks, Mark __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com
