I read a post earlier today on the FlyFishing Fanatic’s website about using throat pumps on fish and then later in the day I was watching SFOTF and as Brian Chan, the king of Chironomid fishing, was using a throat pump on trout. It made think that perhaps I should have my own post on throat pumps.
I have seen people murder the poor fish as they cram the pump in their mouth and down their throat right into their stomach. A few tips can avoid this.
I have watched Brian Chan use a throat pump dozens of times and it’s an important skill that every fly fisher should learn to do correctly. I have learned from watching SFOTF is why and how to use a throat pump on a fish. I know how to do it correctly now thanks to Brian Chan, the king of Chironomid fishing.
Why use a throat pump in the first place?
You can scan the water and turn over rocks to see what is available to the fish at any given time but it doesn’t mean that’s what the fish are feeding on. This is where a good throat pump will come in handy but it has to be done correctly or you will cause harm or even death to the fish.
How to use a throat pump on fish.
Take a minute and think about someone sticking a throat pump down your throat. What precautions would you want them to take?
Before the main points start I feel that I should mention, because so many forget, wet your hands before you touch your fish.
1. Don’t use a throat pump if your fish is smaller than 12-14 inches or 30-35cm. Always keep the safety of the fish in mind.
2. Make sure that your pump isn’t damage and that it has no burrs that could harm the fish.
3. Put your pump in the water and so it’s wet.
4. Squeeze the pump and hold it. Then gently slide the pump into the throat, not the stomach, of your fish. Be careful not to enter the stomach.
5. Once in the throat you can slowly release the pressure on the pump bulb and then you can remove the pump with the same care you used putting the pump in.
At this point you are done with your helpful fish so give it a little kiss and a thank you and release the fish.
Having a glass container to put the contents in will allow you to see them a lot better than just putting them in your hand. For this reason I carry a little vial with a cap on it.
Now you can see what your fish has been seeing and eating.
Time to change up that fly I guess.
If you are looking for great prices on flies and don’t have the time to tie your own look at our fly fishing supply site.
April 13th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Wow,that’s the first time I ‘ve heard of a throat pump. Very intresting. I’m learning more about fishing from reading your blog everyday.