Release Weights

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Release Weight (brochure) PDF

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The production of the DVD was funded by the Australian Government's 2007 Recreational Fishing Community Grants Program.

Recfishwest acknowledges the support by Shikari Charters, Blue Juice Charters, Saltwater Charters WA, Got One Tackle Woodvale, Bluewater Tackle Mindarie, Perth Scuba, Sunset Sinker Supplies, Department of Fisheries, Sunsmart, Australian Fishing Network, Info Fish Released Fish Survival, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Murdoch University and individuals as listed in the videos.

Tackle shops selling Release Weights in WA

Why use release weights?

The release of marine fish has become increasingly important to recreational anglers. Fisheries regulations and management tools such as size limits, bag limits and closed seasons as well as a stronger conservation ethic has resulted in more fish being released.

Many reef species, such as dhufish and breaksea cod, are susceptible to pressure related injuries called barotrauma when raised to the surface from depths of around 20 metres or more.

Barotrauma results from the expansion of gases in the swim bladder and other organs when fish do not have time to adjust to the rapid changes in water pressure as they are pulled to the surface. The physical effects of barotrauma can be seen in the form of inflated abdomen, bulging eyes, stomach pushed into the mouth and distended intestines.

Undersize or unwanted fish that are returned to the water showing signs of barotrauma may often have difficulty swimming and returning to the bottom. Such fish may be unable to reach a depth where water pressure would allow their swim bladder to revert to the normal size and therefore may require special handling to improve survival.

Many anglers have been concerned to see released fish drift away on the surface and wanted a simple method to help survival.

The Release Weight

This device essentially comprises of a weighted barb-less hook. The release weight can either be connected to an existing fishing rig via the clip or used on a rod and reel or hand-line specially set aside for releasing fish.

The Release weight is attached through the lip of a fish to be released, lowered into the water and dropped back to the reef. The weight is then easily detached from the fish by a tug on the line when it reaches the bottom, leaving the fish back at the depth it was captured, recompressed to the original pressure and near the fish's places of cover.

In many cases the fish recovers and gets off the barbless hook on the way down.

Using the Release Weight

The release weight is simple to use. The complete release procedure can be performed by one person for small fish while larger fish will need the co-operation of two people. Single operator - small fish only

Attach the release weight through the jaw of the fish. Hold the fish in one hand and the rod or hand-line ready for free spool in the other. Place the fish into the water headfirst and let the attached line run free as the fish is released.

Two person approach

Whilst one person supports the body of the fish the other can fix the weight in place and then operate the rod or hand-line as the fish is released (see Dhufish below right).

It is important to get the fish as deep as possible before it gets off the weight. Beware of any sudden jerk on the line while the fish is descending as this may dislodge the weight from the fish before it has reached the bottom.

Advantages

• Gets fish back to its habitat fast.
• Re-pressurises the fish to lessen the effects of barotrauma.
• Reduces predation through decreased surface and mid water exposure time.
• Showing signs of increased recapture rates for several species.

Some species with which the release weight can be used

• West Australian Dhufish
• Pink Snapper
• Breaksea Cod
• Mulloway / Northern Jewfish
• Red Emperor / Coral Trout
• Baldchin Groper and other Tuskfish
• Various Cod species
• North-west Snappers (Emperors)
• Tackle shops selling Release Weights in WA

Fish Handling

• Keep fish out of water for a minimum time possible.
• Work fast but without haste.
• Always use wet hands or a wet cloth.
• Place fish on a wet surface. Avoid hot dry surfaces.
• Avoid contact with gills and eyes of fish and try to keep shaded (particularly Dhufish).
• Fully support the body of large fish at all times to avoid organ damage.

Website links about catch and release fishing and fish survival

Download: Brochure on the Release Weight
Recfishing Research - Released Fish Survival
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
National Strategy for the Survival of Released Line Caught Fish

Release weight sellers in Western Australia

Details

Last Updated on Monday, 14 January 2013 02:26

Published on Tuesday, 21 August 2012 08:04

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