Need Advise On Boating Fish

[SHAFT]

Last week up at Clear Lake I lost 5 or 6 good fish [ 4 to 6 lbs] while trying to boat them , all on a Snag Proof frog , heavy 7' rod and 65lb braid . After the hook-up I reel them in hard to the boat , when right at the boat I set the rod butt on the deck and hold the rod up right and grab the line with my left hand, set the rod on the deck and try to lip them with my right hand , this is where they go bye bye . Sometimes I lose them trying to pull the weeds off them and sometimes I lose them when I am trying to get my thumb in their mouth , should I leave more line out so when they start flipping around I could let them move back out and try to land them again , should I try to scoop them up under the belly , maybe I am holding the line too tight with my left hand , any ideas . Thanks Randy

[Jason C.]

5 things.

1-Flip Them. That heavy action rod and 65lb briad should be able to flip a 4 or 5lb fish.

2- Dont worry about the grass and cheese thats on them. Just grab them and get it in the boat.

3-Just scoop them up from under the belly

4-Grab them just behind the gill plats on the top of their head/back and get a good grasp on them.

5- Get a net!!

Those tips should helpget you more fish into the boat no matter what you are useing! I hope this helps!!

[g-man]

A net would help for sure. keep in mind that when you toss frogs the hook set is not always money (maybe a double set will help). Your line from rod to fish should be about the length of your rod when landing fish (IMO) As far as having a fish at the boat with slop all over it, don't swing it. A body scoop would be best! IMO. Holding the line in your hand when trying to land a fish? Never grasp, just lead the fish with an open hand against the line....

[Dan Stahlman]

I use a lip grabber as many times there are to many weeds around them and the grabber allows you to reach into them. By the way, where were you fishing to get those kind of fish. I won't tell anybody.
Dan

[MIKE TREMONT]

I'm no expert, but have landed some nice frog fish in the past.

Make sure you have the Gammy hooks on them. Setting the hook correctly is huge. I learned this from the master...Make sure your rod tip is pointed at the fish and come straight up on them.

I think a net is the best idea. Flipping fish in the boat only destroys thier slime coat as they flop around on the deck. That's from a marine biologist. I know we see alot of "experts" throwing fish in the boat, I don't. Just my way.

Good luck.

[bassindon69]

All great advise. With a swimbait, frog, or any other bait used to get the fish to the boat away from cover fast , you need a strong rod.
Because of the power in the rod and pressure on the fish many times the area hooked will get larger. The hooks at that time can and will come out easy with any slack or head shake at the boat.

I would flip it in the boat 5 to 6 lbs and use a net if bigger. That is if I really want to touch the fish LOL!!
Now go try it again.
Best of luck !!

Don.

[gabuelhaj]

I'd strongly suggest that you use a boca grip or similar tool. Those fishes mouths are slimy and if (when) you loose your grip by lipping them, you will get a hook(s) in the hand!

Or have a net ready.

Good luck!

[12lblargemouth]

1. I think you said that you grab the line, never grab the line, always grab the fish.

2. I always swing the fish into the safety of the boat, just because you swing them doesnt mean you have to put them on the carpet. Just swing them so they are suspended in the air over your flipping deck so if they do pop off they land in the boat.

3. If you are worried about the cheese on the carpet of you boat and not landing the 5# your in the wrong game.

4. Be decisive!!!!!! Dont Jimmy Jack around with the fish have a plan of what method of landing that fish you are gonna use. If your gonna Lip him reach in and snag him as soon as he shows you his mouth, if your gonna swing him get down too that 4ft of line or so and do it.

5. Belly grab works well especially with those nasty hooked baits.

6. And a net is always an option, but not one of my favorites, swingin and lippin is all you really should need, occasional belly or back grab.

7. Have a plan for the fish that reeling in!!!

[kopper_bass]

This statement right here by 12lb is right on the money!

3. If you are worried about the cheese on the carpet of you boat and not landing the 5# your in the wrong game.

Guys who are Punchin or Froggin properly, should come back with their boats looking like they were in a War Zone. Get 'em coming up fast and Get 'em in the boat.............done!

I have seen a lot of guys on the water who are afraid to get their boats dirty and panzy around trying to lip fish, or clean 'em from grass, before putting them in the boat; or just hold them over the side and never even land 'em.

Just go for it, flip them in, or belly grab them and get them in. worry about the cheese, grass, and other stuff later! Don't worry about getting wet, getting dirty, or anything!

I even whacked my NB the other week with my fish 'cause as i hooked up, and started crankin, he tried to get down and lip it but i just kept it coming and brought it right to him - face first. hehe! he didnt go down and do that again!

Good Luck,

Kopper_Bass