Don Lamont
THE catch-and-release movement is growing. Anglers across North America are landing trophy fish and then letting them go.
For years, many Canadian fishing lodges have operated on a policy of total catch-and-release of large fish. But what about the angler who wants a record of that big catch?
Certainly a photograph is a must, along with a quick measurement for length and girth. These numbers allow an estimate of the weight of the fish, without having to dangle it from a scale. Holding a large fish vertically by the jaw with no support can damage its internal organs.
Ken Stewart, author of Freshwater Fishes of Manitoba, says of the time a fish is out of water, is like a person holding their breath -- they can only do it for a short time.
Having a camera and tape available ensures a quick release.
When I started in the fishing business 25 years ago, I wanted some trophies on the wall -- that meant keeping a large walleye, pike, muskie and smallmouth bass.
Today anglers don't have to keep their trophy to get a mount for their home or office, thanks to reproduction mounts.
Winnipeg taxidermist Brian Delmage has developed fish reproductions into an art form with the introduction of flexible mounts.
At first, he wanted to make the fins on skin and reproduction mounts more natural. He began experimenting to see how he could make the whole fish feel more real. Six years on, Delmage makes reproduction mounts that are totally flexible.
After seeing and touching his work, anglers couldn't believe how natural the fish look. At $12 an inch, it is a good option for those who want something special to remember their big catch by without keeping the fish. Visit his website at www.flexfish.com.
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Anglers Notes -- With the good weather continuing, anglers are still a great fall fishing season. Excellent walleye fishing continues on the Red and Winnipeg rivers, as well as other Lake Winnipeg tributaries.
* Lake of the Woods is producing trophy-sized muskies. Crappie anglers are recording some huge catches as these fish start to school up in deep water holes. Don't put that boat away just yet.
dlamont@mts.net
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