I've only just started to fish commercial waters, and to be honest I'm having a blast, catching well each trip and putting a big smile on my face. But!
One very well known place (my first visit) I fished this week. Every fish (carp) had really awful mouth problems, with gaping sores, and ripped lips. As well as missing scales and infections on the sides. I know some is post spawning damage. But with all of these places insisting on barbless hooks and small hooks, what is causing such damage to these fish?
I'm sure it's something we should be talking about, does anyone else agree?
I can honestly say I always use a mat, and try to release the carp in the net if small. Rarely have I had a problem, I also carry a fish medicine for sores. Is this not common practice?
One very well known place (my first visit) I fished this week. Every fish (carp) had really awful mouth problems, with gaping sores, and ripped lips. As well as missing scales and infections on the sides. I know some is post spawning damage. But with all of these places insisting on barbless hooks and small hooks, what is causing such damage to these fish?
I'm sure it's something we should be talking about, does anyone else agree?
I can honestly say I always use a mat, and try to release the carp in the net if small. Rarely have I had a problem, I also carry a fish medicine for sores. Is this not common practice?