Nearly every Panama deep sea fishing veteran can narrate an episode during which some unfortunate handler got swatted, scraped, or worse, got badly speared by a sailfish bill. It pays to be careful so that both you and your fish end up safe.
Let’s therefore review a couple of recommended techniques on how to safely release these acrobatic and fast sea creatures back to the water.
Hauling the Fish
The process begins when you are convinced a sailfish is done with its long and wild runs, when it seems to have finally settled down. At this time, your partner on the fishing rod is employing suitable pressure levels, alert in case the sail charges away and there is need to ease up. At this juncture, the head of the fish is just hovering near the water surface with the tail beating slowly. For the person in charge of hauling in the catch for those last couple of feet so that you can grab the bill to remove for hook removal, that really is when the real action commences.
To start with Panama deep sea fishing, you’re going to require a solid pair of gloves. The bill is a very rough customer and can leave your bare hands with some painful abrasions. Ensure that when you go for the leader with your palms, the thumbs are facing up. Avoid looping the leader around your hands or fingers as the friction between monofilament and your gloves alone is really adequate for hauling in the sail. There is no need for muscling the sail fish. Simply pinch without wrapping and be alert in case you need to let go.
Grabbing the Bill
Because it’s not easy to predict the reaction of the fish, the point of transition from holding grabbing the bill is full of uncertainty. When fishing in Panama, it is wise having somebody at the helm who will keep the vessel slightly in a forward motion, keeping the fish alongside the gunnel coming towards the bow. Somehow, you are tricking the fish into some sense safety or security. When reaching down for the bill, go for the base, avoiding the narrow tip as this affords you better control.
Cutting the Leader
If the hook is visible, to dislodge it use pliers. If that’s not possible, just cut the leader as close as you possibly can. In case the sailfish is particularly feisty, resisting your de-hooking efforts, this also creates an excellent time for simply cutting the leader and quickly parting ways, both for your safety and for the health of the fish. Any fishing in Panama guide will caution against getting into a needless wrestling match with your billfish “catch.”
Finally Releasing the Fish
When it is time to releasing the fish, whether it needs reviving or not, it is important to handle it with care. Have your boat skipper idling gently forward as you guide the fish alongside the boat in a straight line with its head in the water. The time to release it is when you see the tail is beating and the fish has shaken its head. You will also notice color returning to the fish. That is the time to finally nudge the fish away and release it.