Winter has arrived, time to p/u a good book
 

Now that winter has arrived & I am back to tearing thru books. I am currently reading a great book about fishing adventures by James McClintock called A NATURALIST GOES FISHING. I highly recommend getting a copy & reading.

The book is about many of the fishing adventures around the globe that he has gone on. A TON of great information not only about fishing but conservation & wildlife encountered. He is definitely one of our tribe!

Any other suggestions to read & pass the winter waiting for spring?

Ice fishing is just not my cup tea....the high mortality rate after release of ice fishing kills it for me.

Re: Winter has arrived, time to p/u a good book
 

Read any of Zane greys books. Awesome life that dude lived...

Re: Winter has arrived, time to p/u a good book
 

i never heard of that, did you read it somewhere? link? i am trying to think back and i can't remember a released fish dying on me while jigging through the ice. light winter bites mean safe lip hooksets and the slower metabolism from the cold water keeps the fish alive longer out of the water than when it is warmer out. maybe with tip ups since you've got a better chance of them taking it deep, but even then if you use the right hardware, the hooks should end up the corner of the mouths and make for a good release. i'm not trying to bust your balls, just asking in case i've been missing something.

Re: Winter has arrived, time to p/u a good book
 

Hmm first I've ever heard of that. But I could see it without proper fish handling. But with good fish handling don't think it's an issue.

Have pictures to prove myself and saxmatt caught and released the same muskie 3 times the past 3 seasons through the ice.

Re: Winter has arrived, time to p/u a good book
 

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JUST GOING BY MY VERY LIMITED ICE FISHING EXPERIENCES & FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN ON THE ICE SKATING OR WALKING THE DOG. From what I have seen by the time the fish is pulled out of water, hook removed they have become fish-sicles. I would imagine that there is some cell damage to the fragile gills but excuse my ignorance if this was just due to inexperienced fishermen &/or extreme cold conditions. I am big catch & release guy & only take home a fish if it does not make...the guilt of killing usually makes the fish taste bland to me.

Re: Winter has arrived, time to p/u a good book
 

Don't look into how they treat the cows in your hamburgers then...you'll become a vegan!

There are more inexperienced guys/guys that don't care with access to more vulnerable fish during the hard water. I think that's what you're seeing.

Re: Winter has arrived, time to p/u a good book
 

This can be true on very brutal days bit typically even colder than average days here in jersey, you can catch measure take a picture and release in plenty of time as long as you are prepared and not fumbling around.