Steps to Reduce Striped Bass Hooking Mortality From Fish Caught in Deep Water

Ø      Fish as shallow as possible; if fish are in 60 feet water try catching them at 30 feet rather than at a depth of 50 feet this helps reduce the bends.

Ø      When bait fishing use circle-type hooks designed for hooking fish in the mouth; one that has been successful is the Mustad “Croaker Hook” size 1/0 to 2/0.

Ø      Release fish along side of boat to reduce handling stress. Be sure to wet hands and towels before grabbing the fish.  Boga grips are good tools for holding fish while removing hooks.

Ø      Cut line and gently release deep hooked fish

Ø      When a limit of big fish (2 fish 20” or longer in length) are caught move and find a school of smaller box fish rather than staying and releasing fish that want to float. Try to leave space in your limit for a fish or two that can’t be revived.

Ø      As a last resort fizz floating striped bass by using a #18 – 1 ½ or 2” inch hypodermic needle. See diagram and explanation. Hold fish in water along side of boat and let air bubble out  till bubbles stop and fish swims away.  Click here for diagram and explanation.