This article was originally fields and streams.
Do you know trout with furThis mythical creature has been part of Scottish and Icelandic folklore since the 17th century.?th century. In 1929, fur-bearing trout were reported to be caught in the Arkansas River. A large amount of hair tonic was accidentally dumped into the water, so it was theorized that the trout grew a thick coat of polar bear-like fur.Of course, these fish are pure fiction, but I’d love to own one of those ancient stuffed fur trout that occasionally pop up in bars and museums. jackalopeHowever, fish with fur don’t like slapping spinners or swallowing live shiners, but they can catch anything with their fur.
According to this (vague) Stories from Whiskyriff.com, a couple of friends ice fishing at an undisclosed location were spinning a video about what they thought was a nice fish on the tip-up line, only to be shocked when a muskrat jumped out of the hole. The shaggy little fellow quickly exhales Shiner and dives in again. This kind of mammalian ice catch is not all that uncommon. In February 2022, Massachusetts angler Keith his poissant Hooked a giant otter through the iceThis sort of thing happens more often than people think, not just with hard water.
the usual suspect
Someone who was fly fishing for brown trout at night got caught by a pesky beaver that started banging its tail around the drift boat. I’m pretty sure his reel drag hasn’t been spinning at a higher RPM since then. However, in certain locations and scenarios, critters may actually shoot bait or lures. The craziest first-hand account I’ve ever heard is that a friend trolled Barnegat Bay, New Jersey for striped bass. I was sure there was a record-class fish up there, but that glory was shattered when a harbor seal surfaced with a shad swimbait dangling from its lips. The seal saw my buddy, ducked down again, and in 3 seconds he pulled the line 100 yards from the reel before breaking.
This is a very rare occurrence, but if you tell a southern angler that the fish are alligators swimming, these reptiles (usually smaller reptiles) will grab cut baits and even attack topwater lures. You can hear a lot of stories about it. I haven’t experienced it in America, but I have witnessed the boy’s aggression. Caiman South America seemed to be particularly drawn to loud, spook-style walking topwaters. Click.
Birds are probably the most common non-aquatic animal hooked by anglers, and this can occur in a number of ways. Coastal birds such as gulls and terns routinely seize lures and live bait fished near the surface, especially during blitzkrieg frenzy for striped bass, bluefish, or Spanish mackerel. A cormorant seeks food and he dives five feet or more. often problematic birds Please wind it on my hook. Of course, if you want to identify the most common critter bycatch that thousands of anglers deal with each year, it’s turtles. Whether it’s worms for bluegill or shad chunks for catfish, turtles will find it. It’s almost inevitable, but you can avoid making an annoying situation worse, whether it’s hooking a slightly painted turtle or a crazy otter.
What to do when bitten by an unexpected animal
Regardless of the scenario, animal safety should be the top priority when deciding how to deal with inadvertent snagging. Naturally, it’s case by case. Small turtles, for example, are relatively harmless. If you can see the hook and the turtle cooperates, try removing the hook. However, turtles often retract their heads into their shells when frightened. In that case, poking or prying the hook can cause more damage than cutting the hook as close as possible and letting the animal unhook or rust. out.
Snapping turtles, which haunt me in a few places as they like to target catfish and bowfins, are another matter. I don’t try to free the hook. I have a pocket knife to cut the leader as close as possible. Beyond their ability to harm you, remember that snappers (even small ones) are incredibly powerful. Retreat and continue defending. Attempting to push a turtle (or larger animal) onto land with a rod is a quick way to destroy gear while putting unnecessary stress on the animal. During a trip to South America, I saw guides desperate to retrieve the lure grab a baby caiman that hit the topwater. Caiman trembled and sent the hook into his hand. As the reptile rolled in the boat, it violently ripped the hook from the guide’s finger, breaking the rod in the process.
Birds are often easier to deal with, but again, safety risks vary from bird to bird. If birds of prey such as hawks or eagles are involved, it is advisable to notify wildlife authorities for guidance whenever possible, as many of them are protected. However, by gently grabbing it behind the head and placing a rag over its eye, I calmed the gull and freed many of the trapped and entangled gulls. If you’re unlucky enough to be hooked by a furry animal and have no injuries other than a sore lip, it’s best to cut the line as close as possible, but don’t try to fight a seal, otter, or beaver. . up to the boat. When these creatures go crazy, most of the time they stand out for you. On the other hand, if you have ever caught a furry trout, please contact me first with a photo before contacting the local news.
