Stringer/Cooler Not the usual

[Speckled_Tiger]

So this isn't the usual question about which to use. I learned this year that I prefer to use the stringer when possible over a cooler bag that tends to catch more wind, get in the way, etc. But I know in the summer time, stringers don't really keep the fish as fresh as I would like. So here's the question, at what water temp do y'all think the switch needs to be made?

[fishtaco]

Check to see if your front hatch is big enough to fit a cooler bag into, then just toss your fish in there. That's what I do in my Tarpon 120. That way it doesn't catch any wind and I actually get use out of the hatch.

[tefishmaster]

I just go with the ice chest, then there is no question.....i'm just saying

[Speckled_Tiger]

well I used to have room for a cooler behind me in my ride but now with my stealth it won't fit where I can reach it (it's shorter the Ride I had before).

I like the cooler in the hatch idea, there's plenty of room, the problem with that is, this lump that seems to be forming just above my belt and below my chest seems to get in my way. It keeps swelling and I can't figure out why? I've been told is a normal side affect of marriage.

[dut]

Wether I'm in my malibu or hobie I always try and put the bag in my front hatch just to keep it out of the way. It can be a pain to get too, but the added shade plus it being far from my casting swing makes it worth the extra hastle.

If I'm really on the fish in the winter I just drop them through the center hatch and slide them out once back at the launch. Just got to rince the inside out after i get home.

[Surfmonkey]

I use stringer year round. I tend not to stay out very long when it is hot. If sharks, etc. want the fish on my stringer, they can have them...Tried the ice bads, ice chest, etc. but I still keep coming back to the stringer...

[Speckled_Tiger]

Winter - cooler waters, I use a stringer or net bag
Summer - warmer waters I prefer the cooler bag with ice, keeps the fish fresher and away from sharks or porpoises.

Since we seem to be on the same wavelenght here, what time of year to you switch to the cooler? Now, or can the stringer be used for another few weeks or so?

[marshdaddy]

For those of you that use a stringer, the fish you catch and put on a stringer must be swimming with you when you paddle. All the fish I've ever caught and put on a stringer seem to be swimming against me and it's like towing an anchor.:shocked:

[Speckled_Tiger]

it's not too bad, just do what I do....don't catch fish :D

[Where Y'ak?]

Stringer tip:

Many people that put fish on a stringer will just run the stringer through the mouth and out the gill plate-or vise versa. This impacts the gills and breathing. The fish will live much longer if you run the stringer through the front edge of the lower lip/mouth. This will allow the fish to swim upright and breathe.

[pedalmedic]

I like the cooler in the hatch idea, there's plenty of room, the problem with that is, this lump that seems to be forming just above my belt and below my chest seems to get in my way. It keeps swelling and I can't figure out why? I've been told is a normal side affect of marriage.
And i thought I was the only one with that medical mystery. Thanks God for velcro shoes. Cant help you either. Don't catch fish. I do have room for a cooler and like that idea. As for the time to switch with the weather, I would say it would depend on how long you plan on riding on the water. If I have 4 hours to fish, may use a stringer and get ice on the way out. If i plan on staying out for a length of time, bring the ice with me.

[Mung]

...the problem with that is, this lump that seems to be forming just above my belt and below my chest seems to get in my way. It keeps swelling and I can't figure out why? I've been told is a normal side affect of marriage.

My lump grew exponentially after marriage, and my wife developed one too. I don't really mind mine, but hers is a dealbreaker!

I use a stringer only when culling. I'm not really fond of it then. If you are going to keep the fish, might as well put them on ice asap. It is a royal pain in my Manta Ray, to reach behind my tankwell. pull the bag up to the front, open it and put the fish in, then put it back, especially when it gets full. However, you get no shark shrinkage, no spoilage, and no drag, other than wind.

[Choupique]

So here's the question, at what water temp do y'all think the switch needs to be made?

October - April stringers... May - Sept coolers.

[Speckled_Tiger]

that's the kind of answer I was looking for, thanks choup!

[JonathanP]

I bought a 25 qt ice chest for the back of my Manta Ray and it fits nicely. It's just much easier to put fish in the chest and paddle without the added drag. Buying a pair of BOGA grips makes it much easier to reach behind me and put the fish in the ice chest without worries of dropping the fish. On a somewhat separate note, does anyone know of an ice chest that could easily fit in the back of a yak that has rod holders mounted to it??? seems like that would be a good product for us yak fishermen.

[theoldcaster]

I tie them to the front and let them pull me

[Branch_Office]

I tie them to the front and let them pull me

Is that a legal means of yak power? We might have to get a ruling on this for the tournaments...lol

[theoldcaster]

They are going to pull me all the way to the Yak I win !!!!!!!!!! No need to paddle

[Choupique]

Jonathan, I bought some rod holders and just drilled them through and mounted them to the side of a cooler. Just us a dab of goop to seal it afterwards and saw off the access.

[revredfish]

it's not too bad, just do what I do....don't catch fish :D

For the rest of us - I abandoned the stringer for that reason. I got tired of laying a pile of -sometimes moving- - always slimey- fish; in the boat usually between my legs. The bag catches wind but it's out of the way.

As for putting it in the hatch - when the trout bite is on (I vaguely remember what that is like) I don't like to be too busy bending over, opening a hatch throwing fish in, etc - are you guys leaving that hatch open?

I also second the odd thing about bending too far forward has gotten harder - especially when I'm wearing my neoprene waders in the winter....

[snake doctor]

I usually go for reds in the marsh, and put them on a stringer in summer. If the fish was in 85 degree water before you caught it then it probably won't mind being pulled along on a stringer in water that temperature. When I come in, if I feel tired from the heat and don't feel like cleaning the one or two I caught, then I release them. They take off and don't seem too bothered by the ordeal. As mentioned below, I poke the point of the stringer through one of the clear spots in the lower jaw rather than running the line through the gills. I think the most important point for keeping fish viable is to minimize handling and roughness during the landing process and get them on the stringer quickly. I don't use a net on smaller fish unless I am sure they are going on the dinner plate that evening. For reds over 5 lbs. or so then I use a net for my own safety (don't want to be thrashed, finned, or hooked) and don't want stuff knocked out of the yak.

I don't worry much about sharks latching on to my fish since I'm usually in the shallows, but I do have a concern about a hungry gator grabbing the stringer of fish. This every happen to anyone? Guess I'd hope to get to my knife quickly enough to cut the stringer before it became a serious problem.

[yak-aholic]

Jonathan, I bought some rod holders and just drilled them through and mounted them to the side of a cooler. Just us a dab of goop to seal it afterwards and saw off the access.

Just don't do it with well nuts. They won't hold.

[fishtaco]

I don't worry much about sharks latching on to my fish since I'm usually in the shallows, but I do have a concern about a hungry gator grabbing the stringer of fish. This every happen to anyone? Guess I'd hope to get to my knife quickly enough to cut the stringer before it became a serious problem.

I've heard far more stories about sharks attacking stringers than gators. And in the marsh no less....

[northshoretiger]

I use a stringer year round. I usually drop a few water filled frozen bottles in the bag and leave it in the truck to transfer afterwards if I am more than 30 minutes from home, other wise a wet towel gets em home fine. If it's really hot I might foresake the stringer for the bag. But I have not had any significant problems with elevated mortality even in the middle of June in <= 2 fow. I have had gator gars pull bluegills of my stinger, but most gators are too shy to get that close.

[Hobie1Kenobie]

I use an igloo cooler year 'round. I am a creature of habit. I don't find that it creates a significant sail area in windy conditions (any more than I do). I relocated the hindges so that it opens longways (bow to stern) so it does not matter what side of the yak the fish decides he likes better, I can still land it fairly easily. I also drilled thru the back side of the cooler and installed two rod holders (with fender washers, lock nuts & marine goop) which works great - it puts my light sabers within arms reach but far enough back that it does not hinder most casting. My Hobie has plenty of storage for baits so I don't need a milk crate for the kitchen sink.

[revredfish]

ok MISSED the original point.

I think you are fine using the stringer pretty exlusively as long as the water is cool. Once it heats up I'd store the bag of ice in the hatch for long trips move the fish to the bag once they die. I've eaten fish off the stringer in August but have to admit it made me a bit nervous.

[bigredbobber]

Jonathan, I bought some rod holders and just drilled them through and mounted them to the side of a cooler. Just us a dab of goop to seal it afterwards and saw off the access.


Funny, I just did the same thing. I used wing-nuts, lock washers, aquarium grade silicon and marine grade bolts. Holds on tight and now I have less clutter.

Oh, I use a cooler year-round, if I didn't say so already.:)

[chiefbigeasy]

Never have tried a stringer. Between the idea of extra weight pulling against me and dragging live fish attracting who knows what, I like the idea of tossing them in my cooler behind me and putting them out of their misery. I've never considered the idea that the cooler would contribute to wind resistance or affect how I'm pushed by the wind while stationary; it doesn't seem to be a big deal, though. Besides, I keep my lunch and drinks in there too (in a plastic bad to protect from fish slime).

[Yak-a-Lou]

Both...

I use both. I put the float from my (6'?) stringer inside my cooler bag. When the trout are biting regularly I'll slip them on the stringer and keep fishing. When the bite slows down or before I change locations, I'll grab the bag, put it in my lap and slide them down the line, into the bag. I fold the top of the bag over to quadruple protection from Mr. Sunshine. This also serves to minimize the sail-effect. Bonus - Having them on the stringer AND in the bag makes easier/better photo ops than just having the cooler. It's easy to grab the stringer and hold up the fish I caught when it's picture time.

Same thing works for reds in the shallows except that I usually put a red on the stringer AND in the bag right away. In the shallows I'm likely to keep moving and I don't like dragging fish on a stringer unless I'm only moving a very short distance.