When it comes to cleaning and preparing fish after they have been caught through sport fishing, there are certain techniques that must be followed to ensure the safety of the fish and the angler. To start, it is important to have a designated cleaning station with access to a faucet. Place a generous layer of newspaper underneath the station to make the process easier. After patting the fish dry, run it through cool, cold water to loosen the scales.
Scaling is usually necessary before filleting or chopping the fish. If a fish is stuck deep in the throat or intestine, it is best to cut the leader as close to the hook as possible and leave the hook inside the fish. This will prevent it from suffering from asphyxiation and reduce its value as food. It is also important to be aware of the fishing environment and lower the temperature of the fish to slow down the growth of potentially harmful bacteria.
When landing a fish, do so quickly and either unhook it carefully and return it to the water or kill it immediately if it is intended for consumption. To keep fish in the freezer, vacuum seal it for maximum protection from freeze-burn. Alternatively, immerse it in an ice slurry consisting of crushed or cubed ice and salt water. Adopting appropriate handling techniques can help increase the survival rate of released fish.
Finally, when hooking a fish, aim for its mouth to reduce internal damage, decrease unhooking time and decrease the chances that the angler will need to leave the hook on the fish. By following these steps, anglers can ensure that their catch is safe and healthy.
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