I need recommendations for cull tags in light of the rule change for 2019 requiring us to use non-penetrating cull tags. I thought I was ok when I bought these:
These cull tags came with metal clips that you can use to clip onto the fish's jaw and not use the traditional culling style. Well I asked Eddie about them and he said I would have to bend the point over so they could not be used as a penetrating cull tag and they would be ok. I did that, but the metal in these tags are so weak that one just snapped off, and the others are so plyable that there's basically no way that the little metal clips would stay attached to the cull tags. Also these things rusted just sitting in storage and the suction cup won't stay attached to any surface what so ever. Basically these cull tags have no redeeming qualities and are pure garbage. Since they are labeled as "conservation cull tags" the only thing remotely close to "conservation" I can do with them is to dump them in the recycle bin and not the regular trash.
So here I am, asking for recommendations for culling systems... T&H gets great reviews but $40 to $45 is a bit steep for plastic clips in my opinion.
I know I'm going to get some comments about me first needing to catch a fish worth culling before I need cull tags, but a man has to dream right...
I've seen these, which are very economical, but the one and only review is pretty negative.
I don't know if there is one right answer as many I have talked to about any conservation tags have had limited success. I used the TH ones on Saturday and it came off after about 5 minutes. They are difficult to use while trying to hold the fish and slide the lock down. You would think there would be a lock or click feature to keep them locked.
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"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after."
I'm using some old Berkley clips that came with one of their cull systems several years ago. They work, but do come off sometimes if you don't clip them in the right place. They also only have a 12" length of colored rope that I have had issues with it getting into and through the fishes gills. Has not seemed to hurt them, but it can't be good for them. I would not recommend hanging fish from these Berkley clips on a cull beam unless you want to lose fish over the side of the boat.
I used one of these clips (on my one keeper) at our Conroe tournament. Derek is correct that they are difficult to get them to snap onto the fish's jaw, but the one that I put on my fish stayed on throughout the day. Maybe with Derek...it could have been "operator error"...
I used one of these clips (on my one keeper) at our Conroe tournament. Derek is correct that they are difficult to get them to snap onto the fish's jaw, but the one that I put on my fish stayed on throughout the day. Maybe with Derek...it could have been "operator error"...
I guess I need more practice. 4 more and maybe I could have been an expert instead of a 1-fish chump.
__________________
"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after."
I don't know if there is one right answer as many I have talked to about any conservation tags have had limited success. I used the TH ones on Saturday and it came off after about 5 minutes. They are difficult to use while trying to hold the fish and slide the lock down. You would think there would be a lock or click feature to keep them locked.
I did find this one that has a locking/ clicking clip. But dang! $50!
Qwik 8 Bait Co. are the ones i ordered last year and are pretty good. Only issue I had was it took a while to get them in after I placed my order. They do have a strong clip and I havent yet had one come off, but they are a little pricey.
I use the TH Marine ones and had no issues, but the biggest fish I've tagged so far is a 3-pounder.
I found the the collar is easier to slip on when it's wet, so on tournament days, just leave them in the livewell.
I have some of those old ones. I plan to convert 1 or 2 of those into clips as a weighing system (just in case I catch a deep water big bass to help keep her upright in the livewell).