![]() Lately, if the hook is small and it’s really wedged into the corner of the trout’s mouth - or deeply embedded in the tongue or other delicate area - I’ll just snip the tippet and leave the hook in the fish. That sudden shake increases the force on the hook, and it sometimes takes out a part of the trout’s mouth. I’ve always been careful when removing a barbless hook, but I recall a time or two when the fish suddenly shook its head when I had the hook in my forceps or Ketchum catch-and-release tool. ![]() It’s easy to take a chunk out of trout’s mouth when removing the hook, especially if the trout is small. Careless anglers leave barbs on their hooks - or just rip the hook out. Survivorsįirst, it’s rarely the trout’s fault. ![]() A trout with a damaged mouth always seemed a little diminished - as though it made a trip to a city park pond and got in trouble.īut I’m changing my mind about scarred trout. Trout by nature are gorgeous animals that live - mostly - in gorgeous places. I’ve always been a little bummed when I see a big, old trout that is disfigured. I get giddy when I see sharp-edged, white-tipped fins on a big rainbow trout - or a thick brown trout with lots of red spots and a perfect jaw with a few sharp teeth. I think all of us prefer to catch perfect, gorgeous trout - sleek, strong, brightly colored fish that show no mishandling from another angler. I’m always shocked to see how much mouth a trout can lose - and still thrive and grow past 18 inches long. Other times, the fish has lost parts of its mouth - or even part of the lower jaw. Sometimes it’s just a little scar in the mouth. ![]() Big, wild trout from catch-and-release fisheries are often hooked and released several times in their lifetimes.Īll of those encounters leave a mark on the trout. Later, when I’ve gotten home and download the photos, I sometimes notice that the trout is far from gorgeous. I’ve been lucky enough to hook and land some big trout this year, and I usually give myself 30 seconds or so to take a couple photos of the recovering fish in shallow water.ĭuring those moments - that trout is about to rocket away - the fish always looks gorgeous to me. ![]()
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