Abstract
This study evaluates the performance of two types of non-offset circle hooks (traditional and non-traditional) and a similar-sized 'J' hook commonly used in the south Florida recreational live-bait fishery for Atlantic sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus (Shaw). A total of 766 sailfish were caught off south Florida (Jupiter to Key West, FL, USA) to assess hook performance and drop-back time, which is the interval between the fish's initial strike and exertion of pressure by the fisher to engage the hook. Four drop-back intervals were examined (0-5, 6-10, 11-15 and >15), and hook performance was assessed in terms of proportions of successful catch, undesirable hook locations, bleeding events and undesirable release condition associated with physical hook damage and trauma. In terms of hook performance, the traditionally-shaped circle hook had the greatest conservation benefit for survival after release. In addition, this was the only hook type tested that performed well during each drop-back interval for all performance metrics. Conversely, 'J' hooks resulted in higher proportions of undesirable hook locations (as much as twofold), bleeding and fish released in undesirable condition, particularly during long drop-back intervals. Non-traditional circle hooks had performance results intermediate to the other hook types, but also had the worst performance relative to undesirable release condition during the first two drop-back intervals. Choice of hook type and drop-back interval can significantly change hook wounding, and different models of non-offset circle hooks should not be assumed to perform equivalently.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 173-182 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Fisheries Management and Ecology |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Apr 1 2007 |
| Externally published | Yes |
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Keywords
- Catch and release
- Drop-backtime
- Hook performance
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Aquatic Science
- Ecology
Cite this
Circle hooks, 'J' hooks and drop-back time : A hook performance study of the south Florida recreational live-bait fishery for sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus. / Prince, E. D.; Snodgrass, Derke; Orbesen, E. S.; Hoolihan, J. P.; Serafy, J. E.; Schratwieser, J. E.
In: Fisheries Management and Ecology, Vol. 14, No. 2, 01.04.2007, p. 173-182.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Circle hooks, 'J' hooks and drop-back time
T2 - A hook performance study of the south Florida recreational live-bait fishery for sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus
AU - Prince, E. D.
AU - Snodgrass, Derke
AU - Orbesen, E. S.
AU - Hoolihan, J. P.
AU - Serafy, J. E.
AU - Schratwieser, J. E.
PY - 2007/4/1
Y1 - 2007/4/1
N2 - This study evaluates the performance of two types of non-offset circle hooks (traditional and non-traditional) and a similar-sized 'J' hook commonly used in the south Florida recreational live-bait fishery for Atlantic sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus (Shaw). A total of 766 sailfish were caught off south Florida (Jupiter to Key West, FL, USA) to assess hook performance and drop-back time, which is the interval between the fish's initial strike and exertion of pressure by the fisher to engage the hook. Four drop-back intervals were examined (0-5, 6-10, 11-15 and >15), and hook performance was assessed in terms of proportions of successful catch, undesirable hook locations, bleeding events and undesirable release condition associated with physical hook damage and trauma. In terms of hook performance, the traditionally-shaped circle hook had the greatest conservation benefit for survival after release. In addition, this was the only hook type tested that performed well during each drop-back interval for all performance metrics. Conversely, 'J' hooks resulted in higher proportions of undesirable hook locations (as much as twofold), bleeding and fish released in undesirable condition, particularly during long drop-back intervals. Non-traditional circle hooks had performance results intermediate to the other hook types, but also had the worst performance relative to undesirable release condition during the first two drop-back intervals. Choice of hook type and drop-back interval can significantly change hook wounding, and different models of non-offset circle hooks should not be assumed to perform equivalently.
AB - This study evaluates the performance of two types of non-offset circle hooks (traditional and non-traditional) and a similar-sized 'J' hook commonly used in the south Florida recreational live-bait fishery for Atlantic sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus (Shaw). A total of 766 sailfish were caught off south Florida (Jupiter to Key West, FL, USA) to assess hook performance and drop-back time, which is the interval between the fish's initial strike and exertion of pressure by the fisher to engage the hook. Four drop-back intervals were examined (0-5, 6-10, 11-15 and >15), and hook performance was assessed in terms of proportions of successful catch, undesirable hook locations, bleeding events and undesirable release condition associated with physical hook damage and trauma. In terms of hook performance, the traditionally-shaped circle hook had the greatest conservation benefit for survival after release. In addition, this was the only hook type tested that performed well during each drop-back interval for all performance metrics. Conversely, 'J' hooks resulted in higher proportions of undesirable hook locations (as much as twofold), bleeding and fish released in undesirable condition, particularly during long drop-back intervals. Non-traditional circle hooks had performance results intermediate to the other hook types, but also had the worst performance relative to undesirable release condition during the first two drop-back intervals. Choice of hook type and drop-back interval can significantly change hook wounding, and different models of non-offset circle hooks should not be assumed to perform equivalently.
KW - Catch and release
KW - Drop-backtime
KW - Hook performance
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33947404700&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=33947404700&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/j.1365-2400.2007.00539.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1365-2400.2007.00539.x
M3 - Article
VL - 14
SP - 173
EP - 182
JO - Fisheries Management and Ecology
JF - Fisheries Management and Ecology
SN - 0969-997X
IS - 2
ER -