L.T. Marine - Giant Tuna Release Hook

Finally an effective way to revive large pelagic game fish, especially giant tuna. No more hassle when the commercial or trophy giant tuna category is closed. This tool will make reviving giant bluefin tuna and other large pelagic fish easy. Designed and tested with guidance and input from Captains Taylor & Bryan Sears from Mass Bay Guides in Scituate, Mass.

Studies have been conducted to follow fish that have been caught, tagged, and successfully revived using this hook method. These fish have been recaptured years later, proving that using the hook tool for this method of catch and release is an effective way of increasing survival rates.

It is simple to use, just set the hook in the corner of the fishes jaw, and proceed to tow the fish at slow trolling speed until the fish is revived. Once revived, remove the hook by pulling on the trip line and slackening the tow line at the same time to dislodge the hook from the fishes mouth. 

Features:

• 2" Gap with a Sharp Needle Point
• Made with 5/16in Diameter 316 Stainless Steel - to ensure strength, and durability in high-salinity environments
• Pressed - for increased strength to keep the hook from opening under pressure of towing large fish.
• Rigged with stainless steel cable with shrink tube jacket - to protect your hands when setting the hook.
• Welded Eye - for attaching a trip line to release large fish safely and successfully.

How to Use: 

1. Start by attaching a 1/2" tow rope at least 15ft long to the large loop.
2. Attach a smaller 1/4" or 5/16" trip line to the welded eye. Make sure the trip line is at least 6-10 feet longer than your tow line.
3. After landing the fish, set the hook into the corner hinge of the fishes jaw (where the upper and lower jaw meet from inside of the mouth out).
4. Proceed to tow the fish at slow trolling speed with tow line and trip line in hand or cleated off, ideally at 3-5 knots.
5. Once the fish is revived (swimming black backed and tail paddling), remove the hook by pulling on the trip line while simultaneously slackening the tow line to dislodge the hook from the fishes mouth. Generally this could take upwards of 20-30 minutes depending on fight time.