Posted by Chris on February 20, 2004 at 15:51:11:
In Reply to: Re: another viewpoint posted by Jon on February 19, 2004 at 10:07:59:
It depends where they are hooked. If the fish is hooked through the lip, and you can get the hook out without handling the fish, it stands a good chance of survival. However, the more you handle a fish and damage it's protective slime coat, the greater chance the fish will get infected. Also many times the hook is in the gut or in the throat where it may due damage it removed, or continual damge it left. Plus if you are fishing deep the quick pressure change can be fatal. What chance does a fish who's eyes are bugging out, and stomac distended through the mouth have oh living?
It has also been my experience when surf fishing in calm areas such as the Sea of Cortez, that even fish which are carfully released die within a few days, and wash up on the beach.
No doubt some released fish live, but I think it is far fewer thanone would prefer.