handling tope

[paul127]

Hi everyone,
Caught a few tope over the last few weeks and just woundering what is the best way to get them on the boat ? We have been lassoing them but have heard its not good for them would appreciate any advice as i dont want to be harming them ?!

[fergal]

grab the dorsal with one hand and the pectoral fin with the other. or grab the tail with one hand and a pectoral with the other. when you get the fish on the deck, stradle it like riding a horse. put each knee on the pectoral fins. dont put your body weight on the fish, obviously. you can then lift the fishes nose up to get the mouth open and get the hook out.
stick up a few pics of the tope you caught, if you got pics

[Shambo]

Here's a link to a tope handling guide, found it quite useful http://www.ssacn.org/wp-content/pdf/rea ... ndling.pdf

[petemc]

My experience has been to release the fish when they are in the water next to the boat. Just reach over with applicable tool and remove hook. This we have easily accomplished with fish up to 40lb. As in the referenced guide this is the preferred method. I can't really see the need to bring the fish onboard if the hook is visible.