Looking for tips for handling fish to show

[rockman]

Sorry to be ignorant here, but I have only attended two shows before, and since my fish are quite a bit bigger than before, I was just looking for some advice on catching and bagging them for competition...I have two large nets, a large basket and a medium size bowl, and of course the usual clear plastic bags (and I have an oxygen tank to fill the bag once the fish inside). I have a very short ride to the show, only about 20 min.

The fish I want to bag are between 12 and 24 inches, I was planning one fish per bag. I dont think I would want to lift the fish out of the water in the net at this size, so I am going to try to go somehow go from the net/basket/bowl into the bag. Would it be prudent to try and directly bag from the net, or should I try to get them into the net, then basket/bowl, then bag? If so, what would seem the gentlest way to get the fish from the net to the basket (i think that is what some call "bowling" is it not?). Should I be concerned about them jumping out, and any way to avoid that? The reason I ask is that I recently caught a fish to take a closer look at one of the fns, and it launched out of the net when I wasnt watching, and narrowly missed impaling itself on the rocks ringing the pond!

Again sorry if these seem stupid questions, but until I have more experience under my belt, I am just trying to avoid mistakes and learn from the masters here...

[aquitori]

You can start here:
Transporting Koi to the Show

[dick benbow]

ummmmm, I think we have a competitor for the washington Koi and watergarden show this weekend

[schildkoi]

Handling/transporting Koi is actually not that hard providing you have the right equipment. The biggest issues are getting over the "fear" and getting some guideance/experience under your belt.

Depending on the method of transport, equipment requirements can vary. As an example, utilizing a transport tank would not reuire the use of bags. However, I would not reccommend a transport tank for koi over 18 or so inches either.

I opt to bag and box (even though I also own a transport tank) since I believe it is the best way to transport koi. For this method the following equipment is necessary:

Good Koi net...fine mesh verses large weave that can damage fins. The net should be sized appropriately as well...never buy a "small" net the minimum size I would recomment is 29" diameter. These work well for both large and small Koi. Never "lift" a Koi with these nets but simply guide them utilizing the net.

Properly sized bags...4-6 mil, 20" by 48" work well. Longer (but not wider) for large Koi 30"+. ALWAYS double bag! Never reuse bags either.

Oxygen bottle and regulator.

Sock net that holds water.

Blue viewing bowl...large, big enough for a large koi.

Good rubber bands, wide and "gummy". (banding tool also used and electrical ties)

Good, long thin box or cooler that matches bag size. Foam inserts or even "noodles" work well for cushioning sides and ends and to help make the bag fit the box/cooler.

As for netting technique, to bag, utilize the net to guide the koi to an area, always stay below the koi so as to help force it upwards as the koi attempts to move in one direction or another, stay ahead of it and you can actually, with experience "read" the koi and anticipate it's movements. slight "twists" pof the handle can make the head of the net move to keep the koi moving in the desired direction. Once the koi is at the surface (always keep the net high on the head end of the koi to minimize the risk of jumping), guide the net/koi to an area where it can be "socked" or bagged. I prefer to bag the koi and take the double bag and flop it over to the far side of the net and then "scoop" the koi into the bag. as this is done, the net is then lowered to avoid injury to the koi as well.

Once bagged, the bag (with koi) has the water level adjusted to cover the gills and then lifted and placed into the box/cooler. The bag is then adjusted in the cooler/box so that the corners (ends) fit into the corners of the box. I then add a "pinch" of Elbagin and depress the bag to remove the excess air. Once completed, then O2 is added, the inner bag twisted on end and sealed with double bands. Then the outer bag is twisted shut and also sealed with double bands. The box is closed and loaded into the vehicle with the box ends point to the sides of the vehicle.

Upon arrival, the bag with koi is removed from the box and floated in the show tank for 20-30 minutes to allow for the temperature to adjust slowly. Some may wish to remove the outer bag at this point as well. Once adjusted, place the bag into the viewing bowl (floated in the show tank) and let the Koi and water out into the bowl. Then the Koi (and not the bag water) can be placed into the show vat and the bowl and bag water can be removed and disposed of.

When "bowling Koi" it is very important to have the bowler position the bowl verticall, about half submerged so that the netter can guide the koi into the bowl without lift it. As the koi swims into the bowl, the bowler tilts the bowl back to horizontal as the netter utilizes the net to make sure the koi does not attempt to swim out. The bowler then adjusts the water level accordingly.


Ok, sound good on paper but the real way to learn is to actually find yourself someone proficient in these procedures to work with you and mentor you through until you become proficient.

Hope I didn't forget anything?

Steve

[dick benbow]

I agree it's best to have someone who's done this before walk you thru it

[rockman]

Quote: Originally Posted by dick benbow ummmmm, I think we have a competitor for the washington Koi and watergarden show this weekend

maybe...

[rockman]

Quote: Originally Posted by schildkoi Handling/transporting Koi is actually not that hard providing you have the right equipment. The biggest issues are getting over the "fear" and getting some guideance/experience under your belt. Depending on the method of transport, equipment requirements can vary. As an example, utilizing a transport tank would not reuire the use of bags. However, I would not reccommend a transport tank for koi over 18 or so inches either. I opt to bag and box (even though I also own a transport tank) since I believe it is the best way to transport koi. For this method the following equipment is necessary: Good Koi net...fine mesh verses large weave that can damage fins. The net should be sized appropriately as well...never buy a "small" net the minimum size I would recomment is 29" diameter. These work well for both large and small Koi. Never "lift" a Koi with these nets but simply guide them utilizing the net. Properly sized bags...4-6 mil, 20" by 48" work well. Longer (but not wider) for large Koi 30"+. ALWAYS double bag! Never reuse bags either. Oxygen bottle and regulator. Sock net that holds water. Blue viewing bowl...large, big enough for a large koi. Good rubber bands, wide and "gummy". (banding tool also used and electrical ties) Good, long thin box or cooler that matches bag size. Foam inserts or even "noodles" work well for cushioning sides and ends and to help make the bag fit the box/cooler. As for netting technique, to bag, utilize the net to guide the koi to an area, always stay below the koi so as to help force it upwards as the koi attempts to move in one direction or another, stay ahead of it and you can actually, with experience "read" the koi and anticipate it's movements. slight "twists" pof the handle can make the head of the net move to keep the koi moving in the desired direction. Once the koi is at the surface (always keep the net high on the head end of the koi to minimize the risk of jumping), guide the net/koi to an area where it can be "socked" or bagged. I prefer to bag the koi and take the double bag and flop it over to the far side of the net and then "scoop" the koi into the bag. as this is done, the net is then lowered to avoid injury to the koi as well. Once bagged, the bag (with koi) has the water level adjusted to cover the gills and then lifted and placed into the box/cooler. The bag is then adjusted in the cooler/box so that the corners (ends) fit into the corners of the box. I then add a "pinch" of Elbagin and depress the bag to remove the excess air. Once completed, then O2 is added, the inner bag twisted on end and sealed with double bands. Then the outer bag is twisted shut and also sealed with double bands. The box is closed and loaded into the vehicle with the box ends point to the sides of the vehicle. Upon arrival, the bag with koi is removed from the box and floated in the show tank for 20-30 minutes to allow for the temperature to adjust slowly. Some may wish to remove the outer bag at this point as well. Once adjusted, place the bag into the viewing bowl (floated in the show tank) and let the Koi and water out into the bowl. Then the Koi (and not the bag water) can be placed into the show vat and the bowl and bag water can be removed and disposed of. When "bowling Koi" it is very important to have the bowler position the bowl verticall, about half submerged so that the netter can guide the koi into the bowl without lift it. As the koi swims into the bowl, the bowler tilts the bowl back to horizontal as the netter utilizes the net to make sure the koi does not attempt to swim out. The bowler then adjusts the water level accordingly. Ok, sound good on paper but the real way to learn is to actually find yourself someone proficient in these procedures to work with you and mentor you through until you become proficient. Hope I didn't forget anything? Steve

Steve,

Thanks for the info, this is helpful!

[rockman]

Just wanted to update...I managed to safely catch five fish and bring to show. Thanks to all for your tips contributed here, definitely helpful.

Interestingly, I noticed that the two hardest fish to catch had never been caught before.

For one fish in particular, I noticed some bleed from both gilss for a few seconds after the fish was caught and placed in my basket. I waited a minute to make sure the fish was still okay (it didnt seem to show any other stress), then I bagged it. I didnt see any signs of blood in the bag, so it would seem the event was related to stress and very transient. I was wondering, is this a common observation (I saw it in only one out of five fish) and what does it mean?

[MikeM]

It does occur. It is not uncommon when fish are being brought to a show to see a bag or two with water discolored by bleeding from the gills. The bleeding is generally not noticeable when un-bagged.

[rockman]

Quote: Originally Posted by MikeM It does occur. It is not uncommon when fish are being brought to a show to see a bag or two with water discolored by bleeding from the gills. The bleeding is generally not noticeable when un-bagged.

Mike,

Thanks, that is reassuring, and the fish in question managed to get first place Hikarimuji (Ogon) Size 6 (pic atached, just for fun). One interesting thing I found is that this might be an indication the fish is female!?

KoiVet.com - Fish Gills Bleeding After Handling