"Alaskan420" wrote in message
news:sQqhg.4986$LN1.3027@trndny01...
Background...

I fish a local pond fairly regularly. It has a very high level of toxic
metals and other contaminants left behind from tanneries and mills.

I have caught numerous bass and pickerel with lesions and sores.

NOTHING CAN BE EATEN.

This spring I seem to be deep hooking more fish than normal. Usually I am
able to lip hook 85-90% of the time.

Anyway. What should ethically be done with an inedible fish that has been
gullet hooked?

I clipped the line on two yesterday and left the hook in the fish and
released 'em. With the quality of hook materials I doubt they just melt
away
like the old wives tale tells us.

Today I tried surgery on one. The patient was alive when I got the hook
out
but bleeding badly. I watched her struggle and die.

Any ideas????

I already crimp the barbs when I fish this pond.

I wish I had an easy answer. Here's something you can read that might help
you out.

http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com/modu... der=0&thold=0

One thing I can tell you is that releasing the fish gives it a better chance
than if it was "released to grease."
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com