Custom Baits - Forum

Jigs, Spinnerbaits and Sinkers => Sinkers => Topic started by: David_C on 02/29/20 03:50 UTC

Title: Release Weights
Post by: David_C on 02/29/20 03:50 UTC

Hi guys
Something that is catching on in Australia is the use of release weights.
These weights are used to release fish that are caught from deep water to reduce the risk of barotrauma on fish.
Here in South Australia, they have just made them mandatory for people fishing for snapper, so as part of this, I've developed a 24oz, 32oz and 48oz models.
Do other countries have something similar they use?
David

Title: Re: Release Weights
Post by: ctom on 02/29/20 06:53 UTC

I've read quite a bit about the use of these weights for reducing the barotrauma and some people here have done some tinkering with it during the winter but I haven't heard a lot about results...or at least confirmed results. Personally I see the weights as a better alternative to "fizzing" the fish where the air bladder hanging out of the critter's mouth after coming from real deep water is punctured with a pin or needle to vent the air inside hoping the fish can swallow it back down after a release.

Thanks for posting this as I will do some more searching on this concept. Its been a while since I read anything on this and new things come along at a fast pace anymore so I may find I need to catch up.

Title: Re: Release Weights
Post by: Apdriver on 02/29/20 09:03 UTC

Required in Alaska now.

Title: Re: Release Weights
Post by: David_C on 03/01/20 03:28 UTC

Recfish West (in Western Australia) apparently did some research on it many moons ago but haven't seen anything since.

Some of our charter guys use them but some of them are up to 10 kilos - that is a lot of weight!!! Mine are made for the general market and tackleshops. I'd prefer not to make the smaller versions but some people unfortunately don't care about the fish and will just have it on the boat because they have to - and it will never see the water.

David

Title: Re: Release Weights
Post by: Kasilofchrisn on 03/03/20 07:24 UTC

Yes they are now required here in Alaska saltwater.
Primarily they are used for Yelloweye and other rockfish.
I've never seen the kind you have there.
In AK we usually use ones that allow you to clip on different size weights such as this Shelton's fish descender.
Some people do use bullet head jigs with the barb removed and the line tied to the curve in the hook.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200303/0193cadd076faf3fd11e874b086a6218.jpg)

Sent from my S41 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Release Weights
Post by: David_C on 03/04/20 06:27 UTC

That is a really interesting design - will have a look into it :)

David