Deneki royalty Stuart Foxall is back with a follow up post on the added benefits that come with fishing as a team. Thanks as always for sharing your wisdom Stuart!
“So last week we discussed how working as a “Team” will definitely improve your catch rates. There’s another very important piece of Team Work that will improve your success rate of landing fish…….especially “BIG” fish. It’s simply talking to your guide when playing the fish. This will help calm down the situation and actually help the guide know when you are preparing the fish to be netted.
- After playing the fish for a while ask the guide if there is somewhere he would prefer the fish to be for netting. It’s no good trying to get the net under a big fish on a shallow gravel bar and it’s not much fun for the guide around a snag either. While you’re getting the fish under control the guide can have a quick look and target a safe area. Walking the fish to that spot can be done once the fish is tired out a little.
- Tell the guide when you think the fish is tiring. Yes he can possibly see the fact but it will help if you confirm you are feeling less power in the fish so your guide can begin to get into position with the net.
- Let your guide know when you are thinking of lifting the fish’s head. The first time you lift a large salmon’s head is your best chance of netting it quickly. They become a little disorientated for a few seconds which can give the guide the opportunity to swoop. I actually like to guide the fish upstream of me and then lift the fish’s head downstream towards the guide and the net. This present’s the fish head first which is much easier for the guide to complete the netting.
- As you lead the fish towards the net you will find that the rod is unable to keep the fish moving and under control…..it could be 20/30/40lbs plus of fish on your line! So to keep the momentum going and the fish moving towards the guide just “walk slowly backwards in the direction of the guide”. This is much easier done when in a safe place on the river bank. Do you remember asking the guide of there’s a place he would like to try and net the fish???? The guide will have chosen some where that you can both move your feet easily.
Remember it is a “Team Game” and your guide wants to see that big, chrome fish as much as you do. Working together will make the job much easier and more fun if you work together!”
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