Everyone should learn catch-and-release techniques

To assist with ensuring the future of fishing, many anglers catch fish for the pure fun and sport of competitive fishing where any fish caught is well taken care of, then released after being weighed in.

Releasing fish during various times throughout the year is also recommended so fish can lay and protect their young so that the young of the species can grow and thus insure the future of fishing fun.

There are techniques to follow to release fish successfully back in to the water without unnecessary damage to the fish.

With a lot of youngsters fishing this summer with their families, here are some guidelines that would be good for any of us to learn and practice.:

•Use a barbless hook made from metals that rust quickly and set the hook immediately so the fish doesn't swallow it;

•Land the fish quickly - don't fight it to exhaustion;

•Decide whether to keep or release the fish as soon as the fish is hooked, and minimize handling - a wet cotton glove or rag will help to hold the fish while protecting the mucous and scales. Support the fish by the midsecton and tail. Don't handle the fish by the eyes or gills.

•Keep the fish in the water if possible while gently removing the hook with needle-nosed pliers. Cut the leader when the hook cannot be removed quickly or is lodged too deep.

•When releasing, if the fish does not swim away immediately, resuscitate it by moving it gently back and forth in the current until the gills are working normally.

Remember, a released fish has an excellent chance of survival when handled carefully. If we all practice this technique, everyone benefits.

FISHING CLUBS

•Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club: Congratulations to winners of the latestTed Townsend Catfish Derby. Results are: 1. Chris Gotchie 17.3 pounds; 2. Bill McKinzie 14.7; 3. John Nicewander 13.10; 4. Eric Hatcher 10.1; 5. Matt Dories 9.1; 6. Brian Johnson 7.10; 7. Slim Evans 7.4; 8. Jerry Gotchie 7.3; 9. Matthew Phillips 7.1; 10. Shorty Evans 6.14; 11. Sean Kerley 6.14; 12. Mark Loghry 5.12; and 13. Denny Nelson 5.12.

•Yuma Bassmasters: Attend Tuesday's club meeting at 6 p.m. at River Marine to assist in planning the July 18 Open Team Tournament launching out of Fisher's Landing. Visit Jeff Pacewic at jpacewic@msn.com or call River Marine at 783-6502.

•Yuma Desert Bass Anglers: All tournaments (the next open team competition July 11) are open to all anglers having a tournament approved boat with a livewell, remote steering and kill switch. Early sign up  is from 5 to 6 p.m. Friday at Sportsmen's Hideaway or 4:30 TO 5 a.m. Saturday at Fisher's Landing/Martinez Lake. Scales will be open at 12:30 p.m. for early weigh-in with regular weigh-in at 1:30 p.m. Be sure your boat is ready for a  hot day on the water. Call Mac or Bobbi McDermott at 726-1984.

•Fisher's Landing Catfish Derby - July 25-26. Entry is $20 that includes a breakfast with a one-fish prize of $100 and a new rod and reel to the winner. Pay to four places depending on number of entries. Details later.

•Yuma Pro/Am: Keep in practice for the July 26 pro/am tournament - details will be forthcoming or visit Bob La Londe at bob@yumaproam.com. Check for latest results in next week's column.

•Yuma Women's Reel and Rifle Club: After over 61 years of hunting and fishing activities in Yuma and Arizona, the club is disbanding for all time. It is suggested that members and others interested in hunting and fishing should get together with the Yuma Valley Rod and Gun Club now open to all individuals and families  - give me a call at 726-0953.

•Goin' Fishin' Producions: For a great bass class on the water to learn tips, techniques, tactics, location and bait selection along with when and where to fish in all seasons and conditions, call Dave Willhide at 782-2621. Instructional seminars are available for RV parks and home groups.

HUNT HAPPENINGS

•Buck Appleby: Pat Barber, director of the Yuma office of Game and Fish, in his Letter to the Editor suggested we all sign the banner the office has put together to let Buck know we care and wish him well after his accident - add your name and message at the office or call 342-0091. I understand Buck is not in really good shape but hanging in there. Lots of prayers can't hurt and may help. For more information, call his daughter at Sherry's Hearing Aids and I'll try for an update next week.

SHOOTING SPORTS

•Yuma youth shooting programs: If you have a youngster interested in the shootig sports, get him or her together with any of the various programs available. 4-H offers training for air rifle and archery with an introduction to muzzleloader, .22 rifle and shotgun. Call Stanley Gourley at 726-3904. Boys and girls between the ages of 14 and 18 can learn gun safety and take part in the shooting sports in a program offred in Yuma by the Boy Scouts - call Mike Brick at 783-9268. Check with shooting clubs listed below about their youth shooting programs with some programs offered free of charge.

•Renegade Archers of Yuma: All archers can stay in practice at 6:30 a.m. (beat the heat) each Sunday at the Foothills Archery Range - great family recreation with youngsters always free. Call me anytime for directions to the range located east of Foothills Boulevard. and south of Interstate 8.

•Yuma Trap and Skeet Club: Open trap and skeet 8 a.m. to oon Saturdays and Sundays at Adair Park - call John Gross at 580-7837.

•Yuma Matchmasters: July 12 — Open IPSC Combat Match with sign up at 6:30 a.m. at the Adair Park small bore range. Call Ron Gissendaner at 726-0022.

•Southwest Bowhunters: Archery shoots at 8 a.m. Sundays at Adair Park with the practice range open all week. Call Wayne Wittenberg at 314-0140.

---

Contact Jean Wilson at
jeanrenegade@outdrs.net
or call 726-0953.