A few words of warning if you’re going to sack the fish
Use as big a mat as you can carry. There are no excuses these days not to have a decent mat – even if it’s a big lump of foam covered in a couple of bin bags. I use a Kevin Nash beanie mat – the beads of polystyrene make it harder for a fish to flip as they move around (it also carries a Microcat Baitboat!). A mat that has a velcro flap can be useful to stop the fish flapping around when you are checking the camera, etc. A wet sling or sack will work as well. Lay out your mat and MAKE SURE IT’S WET. The slime on fish protects them, so avoid putting them on a dry mat – especially on a hot day. Make sure you use Kryston Klin-ik or the equivalent to treat the perforation where the hook went in (both yours and anyone else’s who make have hooked the fish recently) and to treat any sores. Pick off the leeches too if the fish is carrying any. I like Bonjella best as it’s not soluble and therefore won’t wont wash off. It probably puts fish off aniseed baits though! If you’re going to take a photo, sort out your camera equipment before taking the fish out of the water. With the use of a tripod, self-release bulb, and a couple of banksticks, you can actually take some decent shots. Try to use a motor wind camera, or a digital, so you don’t have to keep putting the fish down and running backwards and forwards winding on the camera. Also, digitals mean you can check the shots before you put the fish back. It’s a good idea to have a bottle/kettle of water handy to keep the fish wet whilst taking the photos. If it wont calm down, place the wet sling over its head….and if it still wont, put it back, its not worth damaging the fish over a photo. Easy to say I know…..! Note from Graham |