Tagging billfish question - The Hull Truth

tprice · 03-06-2009, 06:09 PM

I have never caught a billfish but do watch all the tv shows where they catch, tag and release the fish. If everyone tags these fish like I am told then why do they never seem to catch a fish with a tag already in it or do they come out after a period of time

Fin&Sin · 03-06-2009, 06:27 PM

Many are caught with tags in them, but it is very hard to read the info on the tiny tag that is attached to a big thrashing Marlin. It would not be in the best interest of angler or fish to bring it in to the boat and try to read it. I think that many tags will turn up over the future as the fish are killed by tail wrap or a gut hook.

eddy2419 · 03-07-2009, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fin&Sin

Many are caught with tags in them, but it is very hard to read the info on the tiny tag that is attached to a big thrashing Marlin. It would not be in the best interest of angler or fish to bring it in to the boat and try to read it. I think that many tags will turn up over the future as the fish are killed by tail wrap or a gut hook.

Cut the tag, put a new one in and send in the old one.