YOU NEED TO LOOK AFTER YOUR CATCH
“Bugs and bacteria wake up a little earlier than the immune systems of our fish”
FISH care is on the menu this week, and with recent reports of some incredible captures we need to remember to look after our quarry. Historically, carp anglers lead the way in fish care, but other disciplines are well aware of the need to protect their catches too. Unhooking mats are regularly used in matches, and most pleasure anglers carry a mat and hopefully a treatment kit too.
It’s treatment kits that I want to look at, especially at this time of year, as many fisheries insist on anglers carrying them. There are some very cost-effective and beneficial treatments developed by fish farmers and the aquaculture industry, and every angler should carry one. For under a tenner, Klinik, Medi Care and Cypro Guard will all do the job. The last-named, in particular, is used by many fishery managers and owners. It not only disinfects, but seals, heals and repairs as well.
Bugs and bacteria wake up a little earlier than the immune systems of our fish. Any cuts or scratches, loss of slime or even a hookhold is an opportunity for bacteria to invade and cause problems. Parasites, too, are gearing up for a feed at a time of the year when the fish are still waking up, and they can cause problems if not treated.
Many of the marks we see on our fish are not anglingrelated, but natural occurrences. If we’re armed with the correct kit, a fish’s trip to the bank is now more like a trip to the dentist for a once-over check-up!