TLC needed in setting a snook free

Some anglers release the out-of-season fish prematurely, only to watch Florida's most sought-after gamefish float belly up or sink helplessly out of sight.

By MIKE SCARANTINO

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 1, 2000

There are right and wrong ways to perform almost every activity. Releasing out-of-season snook should only be done the right way, when the fish is ready and never before.

As summertime snook action gets hot around area islands, points and passes, no self-respecting angler wants to waste a single second of time. Because of their predictability, large female breeder snook and their smaller male counterparts become easy targets. Fishing productive locales with the right bait will bring many fish to the side of the boat.

In their hurry, some anglers are releasing fish prematurely, only to have those fish roll belly up just out of reach. There they sit, watching Florida's most sought-after gamefish float or sink helplessly out of sight, destined to become crab bait.

I recently got word of an extremely large snook found dead on the northern tip of Anclote Island. The fish measured over 48 inches and was full of roe. The cause of death appeared to be injuries from the prop of a boat.

The likelihood of a mature snook, or for that matter any snook, being hit by a boat on the surface is next to nil. Supposition might be that the fish was caught and released too soon, leaving it floating helplessly when it was hit.

Such occurrences need not happen if more time is taken when reviving fish to be released. To accomplish this requires an understanding of what happens when a fish is strained during the fight and capture.

Part of what strains fish is the use of lighter and lighter tackle. All who pursue these mighty fighters thrill to the sight of a large snook tail-walking on the surface, to the excitement of knowing the fish's reputation for getting away, and of knowing all that separates success from failure is 8- or 10-pound test line and very light tackle.

Using such tackle makes for extended battles. And during the high heat of summer, saturated oxygen levels in the water are reduced, as is the amount of oxygen in a fish's bloodstream after such a battle.

The lack of oxygen and astronomically high lactic acid content in their blood creates a chemical imbalance similar to a human consuming massive quantities of alcohol in a short period of time. This leaves the fish unable to right or control itself. It just lies there in the water until it either dies from oxygen depletion or sinks out of sight. This might have accounted for that large snook being hit by a boat.

Another reason for the premature demise of some fish is removal of the hook. Often when a fish is deep-hooked, anglers will dig at the hook in an attempt to be conservation-minded. This takes more time and is harmful.

Studies by the Florida Marine Research Institute show that 12 out of 12 deep-hooked fish released with the hook still intact live on, whereas four out of 12 fish released after the hook has been removed do not. Conclusion: Leave the hook intact if it is deeper than the inside of the mouth.

Keeping a fish out of water to take photos or to remove a hook stresses them further. When the fish is lifted from the water, stress is placed on its internal organs. If photos are a must, cut the time the fish is out of the water to a minimum. Hold the fish in moving currents, with mouth open, until it is photo time.

As for reviving fish after the battle, exercise patience. This process may take upwards of 15 to 20 minutes depending on the length of the battle and the skill of the angler.

Remove the hook, if possible, in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of trauma to the fish. Cut the hook off if necessary, keeping the fish immersed in water.

It is best to hold the fish by both the tail and lower lip. Make certain its mouth is open, then begin gently moving the fish back and forth in the water. Doing so in the shade of a mangrove or by the side of the boat will keep the fish in cooler water, and cooler water contains more saturated oxygen.

Knowing when the fish is ready for release is the key to keeping it healthy. Generally, as the fish begins to revive, the first thing it will do is tighten up on the finger in its mouth. Next it may shake its head or flip its tail.

Try letting go of the fish within arms' reach. If it begins to turn belly up, continue efforts to revive it. If it swims off under control, odds are you have done your work well.

If you have a question or comment, Capt. Mike Scarantino can be reached at (352) 683-4868.

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