Capt.Ahab, The fish scales are extremely sensitive to the touch. Human hands make them burn and "resting" on the sand burn also fish that has already received the hook in his mouth. Not to mention, the fish will still suffer from dry land when taking pictures.
I hate to sound like a pissed off, but still you have to train a little bit in that catch and release method. It may look fine when swim out, but often, after such an experience they rise to the surface and be the birds lunch.
No hard feelings, but I said only what I know to be true.
Capt.Ahab, The fish scales are extremely sensitive to the touch. Human hands make them burn and "resting" on the sand burn also fish that has already received the hook in his mouth. Not to mention, the fish will still suffer from dry land when taking pictures.
I hate to sound like a pissed off, but still you have to train a little bit in that catch and release method. It may look fine when swim out, but often, after such an experience they rise to the surface and be the birds lunch.
No hard feelings, but I said only what I know to be true.
It sounds to me that if some ones fish is becoming lunch for the birds it is THEY that need some fine tuning on their catch and release.
As Capt Ahab mentioned......strippers along with quite a bit of other species will beach themselves when the feed is on.Now why would a fish set itself on fire just for a pic nic on the sand??
Do you know anything about striped bass? One tough fish. They are not a delicate little pansy assed trout or perch. They will beach themselves on the sand chasing bait then roll back into the water or wait on the sand for the next wave to bring them back in. A little bit of sand doesnt bother a striper.
As for taking photos, well it took me about 5 seconds before it went back in. I suppose I could kick it back in the water without touching it. Would that make you feel better?
The shad ended up whole in the freezer for future cut bait. The sand or photos were the least of their problems.