The IGFA requires that any fish being weighed for a possible line class record be weighed on shore, not while on the boat. Therefore, if I am to release this fish after weighing it, I need to be able to transport it to shore quickly and safely. This would entail keeping the fish in water while making the trip to shore, which might take up to 30 minutes from the fishing grounds. Of course, most boats don't come with a livewell large enough to transport a fish the size of the one I seek...certainly my 17 foot center console does not. This fish will most likely weigh at least 40 pounds and be at least 45 inches long...that's a lot of fish. So exactly how does one transport a fish that size without carrying a bathtub aboard his boat? The answer is a fish cradle.
A fish cradle is a device that is flexible enough to be neated stowed out of the way when fishing and can be put into action quickly, filled with water and fish and stay in place while under way. I made one to fit across the gunnels of my boat just in front of the center console. It is made of common electrical conduit for the handles and part of an old tarp for the cradle body. It rolls up around the handles and stores nicely with three small bungee cords attached to the side rail.
No comments:
Post a Comment