L.T. Marine HD Release Hook
Finally, an effective way to revive large pelagic game fish, especially giant tuna. No more hassle when the commercial or trophy giant tuna category is closed. This tool will make reviving giant bluefin tuna and other large pelagic fish easy. Designed & tested with guidance and input from Captains Taylor & Bryan Sears, Seabros & Mass Bay Guides in Scituate, Mass. This apparatus is based off a similar method used by commercial and charter tuna operations from Prince Edward Island, Canada as observed by Captains Taylor and Bryan on their many expeditions up north. Studies have been conducted where fish that have been caught, tagged, and successfully revived using this method, have been recaptured years later proving the method as an effective form of catch and release.
How to use the release hook:
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You start by attaching a 1/2" tow rope at least 15' long to the large loop.
- Then attach a smaller 1/4" or 5/16" trip line to the welded eye. Make sure the trip line is at least 6-10 feet longer than your tow line.
- After landing the fish set the hook into the corner hinge of the fishes jaw where the upper and lower jaw meet from inside of the mouth out.
- Proceed to tow the fish at slow trolling speed with tow line and trip line in hand or cleated off, ideally at 3-5 knots until the fish is revived (swimming black backed and tail paddling), generally this could take upwards of 20-30 minutes depending on fight time.
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Once revived, remove the hook by pulling on the trip line and simultaneously slackening the tow line at the same time to dislodge (pop) the hook out from the hinge of the fishes mouth.
Specs:
- 2" Gap with a sharp needle point.
- Manufactured from 5/16" Diameter 316 stainless steel.
- Pressed for increased strength to keep the hook from opening under pressure of towing a large fish.
- Comes rigged with stainless steel cable with shrink tube jacket to protect your hands when setting the hook.
- Welded eye for attaching a trip line.
- Includes mess storage bag.
