04-15-2004, 05:58 PM
[cool][#0000ff][size 1]I guess I could have addressed that issue better, instead of showing off. Most of the cats I catch are also in the "DANGER ZONE", as far as size goes. That's going to be true on most waters. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]I automatically assume that every kitty I bring to the tube is "armed and dangerous". So, I net every cat I catch, regardless of size. The operative word is CONTROL. You need to wrap them up and keep them from thrashing around. Failure to control them allows them to fling those pointy spines in all directions. If they come in contact with human flesh, it hurts. If they come in contact with an air chamber, you may get to walk back to your car...or throw a rooster tail trying to get back before all the air leaks out.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Once you have the cat secured in the net...out in front of your craft...lift it up and try to get a firm grip around the belly...avoiding the spines on the dorsal and the pectoral fins. There's a knack to it. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Any cats I plan to keep, I immediately cut off the spines with a stout pair of sidecutters. If they are too big to cut, I snap them off. This reduces the potential for further damage and keeps them from trashing your basket too.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you plan to release the fish, simply work out the hook and keep holding the fish securely while you toss them well away from the tube. Forget the classic routine of working them in the water until they recover. That invites them to wriggle and whip the spines into you or the tube. They are tough and do just fine if you toss them out a ways. Be careful that they do not flip as you release them. I have sustained some painful punctures at that critical moment. Almost makes you want to catch them again and bash in their little heads.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]A Berkeley Lip Gripper works great on larger kitties. If you try to lip them with your thumb, like a bass, you can get a painful munch. Those jaws are powerful and they have lots of rough little teeth that can remove skin and flesh. The lip gripper also allows for easier release.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]An interesting note. Those big flatheads have a protruding lower jaw and do not have nearly the crushing power as a channel cat. A popular way of handling them is to grab the lower jaw. However, if that does not immobilize them, and they start flipping, they have nastier teeth than the channels and it can result in a sudden "weight loss" program for your knuckles. Most flathead fanatics proudly show off their "fish rash" as proof of their prowess.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]But hey, you first have to catch the fish in order to have the problem. Right? Some problems are good problems.[/size][/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][size 1]I automatically assume that every kitty I bring to the tube is "armed and dangerous". So, I net every cat I catch, regardless of size. The operative word is CONTROL. You need to wrap them up and keep them from thrashing around. Failure to control them allows them to fling those pointy spines in all directions. If they come in contact with human flesh, it hurts. If they come in contact with an air chamber, you may get to walk back to your car...or throw a rooster tail trying to get back before all the air leaks out.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Once you have the cat secured in the net...out in front of your craft...lift it up and try to get a firm grip around the belly...avoiding the spines on the dorsal and the pectoral fins. There's a knack to it. [/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Any cats I plan to keep, I immediately cut off the spines with a stout pair of sidecutters. If they are too big to cut, I snap them off. This reduces the potential for further damage and keeps them from trashing your basket too.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you plan to release the fish, simply work out the hook and keep holding the fish securely while you toss them well away from the tube. Forget the classic routine of working them in the water until they recover. That invites them to wriggle and whip the spines into you or the tube. They are tough and do just fine if you toss them out a ways. Be careful that they do not flip as you release them. I have sustained some painful punctures at that critical moment. Almost makes you want to catch them again and bash in their little heads.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]A Berkeley Lip Gripper works great on larger kitties. If you try to lip them with your thumb, like a bass, you can get a painful munch. Those jaws are powerful and they have lots of rough little teeth that can remove skin and flesh. The lip gripper also allows for easier release.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]An interesting note. Those big flatheads have a protruding lower jaw and do not have nearly the crushing power as a channel cat. A popular way of handling them is to grab the lower jaw. However, if that does not immobilize them, and they start flipping, they have nastier teeth than the channels and it can result in a sudden "weight loss" program for your knuckles. Most flathead fanatics proudly show off their "fish rash" as proof of their prowess.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]But hey, you first have to catch the fish in order to have the problem. Right? Some problems are good problems.[/size][/#0000ff]
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