After fielding a number of questions regarding our release methods on the Revillagigedo tagging voyage, I will do my best to describe our techniques while adding a few photos to demonstrate. First of all the most important aspect of the procedure is to protect the specimen by gentle handling and quick actions. In the case of the yellowfin tuna and wahoo, all of the barbs on hooks we used were either smashed flat or ground off to accelerate the removal process. One might think that removing the barbs would have an impact on catch results, but interestingly, in my assessment, it made no difference whatsoever.

When a specimen was landed, tagged, and ready for release one of three hook removal methods was employed. The first and most frequently used method was to slide a gaff hook down the line and lock it inside the bend of the hook protruding from the fish?s mouth. If you take your two index fingers, make a hook shape with them, then lock them together by connecting then pulling in opposite directions you should get the idea. When the process functions as intended - about ninety percent of the time, pressure is applied in opposite directions by pulling on the gaff blank and rod and the hook drops from the vanquished creature?s mouth sending him on his way. AFTCO also provided us with release poles that functioned in the same manner using a twisted loop that slid down the line instead of a hook shape and functioned in the same manner. When a hook was set stubbornly or was obviously set deeper in the mouth, a quick shimmy through the rail allowed hands on access where a crewman or I would grab the fish under the gill plate and manually remove the hook before setting them free. The last, and least desirable, release method was to cut the line as close to the hook or mouth as possible and was only used in situations where the hook was obviously swallowed or the sharks were threatening to eat the specimen if any time was spent attempting to remove the hook.

The most exciting releases by far were the big fish in the skiff that brought the up close and personal element to anglers in a way never experienced before. If you are among the coveted fraternity of anglers to land a giant yellowfin using the skiff (Clarion sleigh ride) you can somewhat relate to the personal feel, where an angler can actually reach out and touch the water, of the whole process. The big difference when tagging the catch is the fact that instead of gaffing, we actually grab the giant tuna with our hands, flip them over on their back, take length and girth measurements, then release the tagged beast, hopefully with a round or two of epic photos. Sounds easy right? Well, as one can imagine the giant yellowfin is less than thrilled by the prospect when it reaches the surface and on several occasions it was quite a show. We did manage a one hundred percent success rate with our skiff tagging, but not without plenty of whitewater, plenty of bruises, and a fortified respect for the power of these incredible fish. Enjoy today?s photos and look forward to plenty more in days to come.

The photos today feature anglers Warren Sakamoto with a beautiful ninety pound class fish in the skiff just prior to release, the ?Legend? Jerry Kruse with his two hundred twenty seven pound beauty moments before sending him on his way (sorry for the blurred photo), and Justin Greenberg with Captain Brett Rouintree and his one hundred ninety pound class yellowfin up close and personal.

Photo here...
Photo here...
Photo here...
Photo here...