When I picked up my HSB 4-5 inch stockers last fall, my supplier said he wanted to show me something. He picked up a fish from the tank and it �curled� in his hand, and when released, it laid on its side for a second and then sped away �said they would do the same when I released mine into the pond, and not to be alarmed.
At the pond, after several minutes,still in the transport bag to adjust to pond water temperature and PH, I released the stockers. Sure enough most �curled" up for a few seconds and then sped away.
Is it lactic acid buildup or just a peculuarity of the species?
Of course mortality is high in the warm water months, but good catch and release practices help.
Don�t play the fish out on light tackle. Bring them to hand as soon as possible and revive them by working water through their gills.
I use a boga grip and never handle the fish except for a photo, and then I am not surprised when the fish dies.
