Mahi-Mahi gets revenge at "Monte"!

If possible, I would avoid letting the snare get up under the gill plate. Just a suggestion.

I hear what your saying, but the snare really didn't get near the gill arches, they are really recessed on these fish.  That said, precision handling of a 6 foot long 100# in moving current on a tiny boat ain't that easy.

If possible, I would avoid letting the snare get up under the gill plate. Just a suggestion.

I hear what your saying, but the snare really didn't get near the gill arches, they are really recessed on these fish.  That said, precision handling of a 6 foot long 100# in moving current on a tiny boat ain't that easy.

True that! Just ask your anchor line....

Woooo!  Helluva fish, Mahi!

Very nice Dan, although I wish you got some better pictures of the beast.

Uh-oh!  Assist - Too bad about the lack of eligibility for AOTY...  

I know you're mostly joking AbKing, but this brings up an interesting question.  I don't see any rule about not allowing assistance.  We usually have that rule for our non-virtual tournaments, but not currently for AOTY (maybe we need to make a note for next year). 

As long as it's not assistance from a powerboat and legal according to the regs I don't see why Dan couldn't have half of Ukiah in the water helping him wrestle that sturgeon to get it measured.

Brian

2008 Angler of the Year Rules
1. All fish entered must be caught from a kayak, without the aid of a powerboat and using methods deemed legal by the California Department of Fish and Game.
2. Photographic evidence of fish size (length) must be provided. For sturgeon, in the absence of a photo of the fish against a measuring device, a photo of the fish against an object of known size along with measurement that is witnessed and verified by another person in the pool will suffice.
3. Fish caught prior to January 1, 2008 are ineligible. Fish caught prior to payment of entry fees are also ineligible.
4. All fish entered must be caught south of the California/Oregon border and north of the southern borders of the following counties Monterey, Kings, Tulare and Inyo.
5. The pool covers the following species: Sturgeon, Salmon, Halibut, Rockfish, Cabezon, Lingcod, Striped Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass,  and Trout.
6. No out off season, oversize or undersize (fish larger than the legal limit or smaller then the legal limit per species) may be entered. All local water rules must be followed.
7. The biggest fish from each angler for a given species will be used towards the anglers total points.
8. The anglers fish for each individual species will be entered into a per species pool.
9. Trout are defined as the following common names (brown trout, brook trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, steelhead, lake trout, golden trout, and dolly varden)
10. Entries must be posted within 2 weeks of being caught and photographed. No "hoarding"  of entries.

Dan.... you son-of-a-gun.... you finally scored BIG.  CONGRATS!!!! 

If possible, I would avoid letting the snare get up under the gill plate. Just a suggestion.

I hear what your saying, but the snare really didn't get near the gill arches, they are really recessed on these fish.  That said, precision handling of a 6 foot long 100# in moving current on a tiny boat ain't that easy.

The same thing happened with my dino.  I tried a couple times get the snare behind the pect fins, but when I finally pull the snare it slipped and went under the under the gill plate.  Surprisingly, the snare didn't cause any bleeding or damage to the gills.  My knife did that.

Thanks Chuck!

Just 1 photo?  WTFO

Just 1 photo?  WTFO

I personally have NO photo's, as Sean was the photographer. He did get a quick video of the release that I'm sure he will post at some point......maybe....

Never!

Uh-oh!  Assist - Too bad about the lack of eligibility for AOTY...  

I know you're mostly joking AbKing

Wrong there, Brian - all   joking.  Sean and I actually discussed this while on the water at the Cove recently.  I feel that assisting one another in whatever ways we normally would as friends and fisherfolk should absolutely be allowed - or our little contest would be going away from the spirit of what makes most of us love the sport.  I believe Sean was on exactly the same page, as most of us surely are.  Just because I'm stubborn and would rather net my own salmon and watch others do the same doesn't mean I don't totally support the spirit of cooperation and sharing the total experience.  I'll f#@& up and lose a nice salmon due to my ego one day, and it may change me - but I doubt it.   

Now let's see that video, Sean! 

Dan,

WTG on the Dino...it looks like you guys had your hands full.   

I think I speak for a lot of us that never had to deal with something that big, especially from a yak.  I'm sure it wasn't just laying there saying "take the pictures guys, I got to pick up takeout on the way home".  If I ever hooked up with a fish of a life time I wouldn't want to lose it because I was worried asking for help and losing points.  Speaking of which how does a normal person take a picture of a thrashing 66" fish with one hand on a snare and another one holding a rod? 

Great story...

Gary

First, let me say that I wasn't criticizing Mahi. He could have legally killed the sturgeon, but he chose to release it. My comment about the snare was meant to look at the safest way to catch and release these ancient fish. It's in the best interest of the fishery to sometimes question our practices. Here is what DFG says about snaring under the gill covers:

"Careful handling of all sturgeon to be released is important for the species’ survival, especially the oversize sturgeon. Oversize sturgeon are very powerful and often difficult to handle protectively. They are best left in the water and should never be lifted (or snared) by the gill cover.

“All too often we see pictures of anglers improperly holding up sturgeon and other fish that they intend to release,” said DFG Wildlife Inland Fisheries Division Deputy Director Sonke Mastrup. “Sturgeon are especially vulnerable to being damaged, especially oversized fish that the angler wants to get a quick picture before releasing it.”

Why do I feel like I'm getting a pat on the back while being kicked in the sack?

Why do I feel like I'm getting a pat on the back while being kicked in the sack?

I made it clear that I'm not criticizing you.  I want to find the safest way to catch and release sturgeon. If it really feels like a kick in the sack, I would be glad to move the discussion to a different thread.

 COL. MAHI  "DID YOU ORDER THE SNARE?", "YOUR GOD DAMM RIGHT I DID"....