Release Tools

[loebs93]

I just got into musky fishing this summer - still haven’t gotten one, but I am finally confident in what I am doing out on the water to start getting them in the boat. My main concern, after I do get one, is the release time and getting that fish back into the water as soon as possible.

What are some of the tools you guys use to aid in this speedy process? I understand the basics, but I want to know more about the brands that you use and the sizes of each of them. Is it cheaper to buy the hardware tools or the tools made for fisherman? Do I need gloves? Anything that is not mentioned that you suggest will be appreciated.

[RuKiddingMe]

Bolt Cutter = Knipex Mini Bolt Cutter available at Thorne Bros.

Net = Beckman or Frabill, as big a you can put in your boat, most importantly a treated bag (rubber coated, it's much better for the fish.) Deep bag make for easier hook removal in the water.

Long Neddle Nose Pliers = Craftsman should do the trick.

Jaw Spreaders = My buddy bought 2 and taped them together for the extra spring strength, muskies can make a jaw spreaders worthless real easily.

Some like gloves other don't personal preference, Lindy makes some and Cabelas has some nice ones too.

A first aid kit is always nice to have on hand also.

I'm ure others will chime in with some stuff I forgot.

Good luck out there.

RU

[rascalP]

RU has it pretty well covered. One thing -- don't skimp on the bolt cutters(and it is a necessity). Get the knipex. 40-45 bucks. And bring spare hooks for the ones you cut. And the sharpener. Good net, treated bag. After netting the fish, keep it in the water, like a livewell or corral. Unhook the fish in the water, then bring it out for pics, if you choose. Just have everything ready before taking it out of the water. Also, I would say, a first-aid kit is a necessity. You don't want to wish you had one when you're bleeding like a stuck pig.

[delmuts]

RU covered the main things. i would just add a camera and a tape measure.( i have one of the cloth ones from a fabric shop) remember, once it is in the net, to keep the fish in the water as much as possible.

[Random guy]

I like to use the floating type measuring sticks, just throw it in the water and bring the fish along side to get a good measurement, you won't have to lift the fish at all unless you want a picture. Also if you fish alone try to rig up a camera on a piece of velcro that you can stick to the top of the outboard or something else in the boat for self photos. I like to stick mine to the outboard that I trim to a certian spot then set the timer, lift and photo then back in the water. Saves alot of confusion when the fish is at boat side. Other then that RU pretty much covered it.

[Swimmer]

You might want to try one of those heavy spring-loaded lip grabbers. Mine is from Rapala? Anyway, it works great to control the fish at boatside while you remove the hooks -- keeps your hands away from the trebles too. I don't like using a net -- hate the thought of split fins and possible fungal infection later. So with the hooks out, you still have control of the fish -- the lock on the lower jaw seems to calm the fish somehow. Grab next to the gills, support her middle, quick photo, and release. My largest controlled with this method = 48". Not sure if control of a 50+ would work though. I guess I would rather release her competely unscathed and maybe lose her at boatside than use a net. Just my own peculiar way of doing things.