Tank Talk Magazine March 2010 | Page 24

24 How To Bag Fish by Tim Maynes Each fish keeper has their own way that they tie their fish bags and some societies / clubs recommend them to be tied a certain way, below is just one way that you could tie a rounded corner bag without the use of compressed air. It is a good idea to get some fish bags and fill with tap water to practice before you start to put fish into bags. 1. Fill the bag 1/4 to 1/3 full with water (depending on the size and the species you will be bagging), use the water from the tank you are catching the fish from. Some people like to add water treatment such as Aqua-Pics Chlorine Eliminator to the water in their bags to help fight the build up of toxins and add B1 and slime coating to the fish to protect against stress caused by the bagging process. 2. Once the fish are added, carefully pick up the bag and line the fold seems together. 3. Holding the top closed tightly; Fold the top of the bag over twice like you would to a paper bag holding lunch. You should feel the bag starting to be under pressure at this point. 4. Now fold the lip in 1/2 from the middle, then 1/2 again so that the lip is now like a closed M. By now you should be holding a pressurised bag, be careful not to lose the pressure or you will have to start again. 5. Holding the closed lip tightly, slowly twist either the top or the bag itself (whichever you find easier, being careful to not do it to quickly and startle the fish). Be careful not to twist the bag to far especially if it is made from thin plastic as you could create too much pressure and the bag may burst. 6. Now you need to grab some rubber bands (size 10 to 16 is good) use at least 3 rubber bands per bag or more if it is larger bag or you have filled it with more water. Be careful at this point as your hand will most likely be wet and it may be difficult to hold the “handle” and the bag. 7. Tie the rubber bands around the ?handle? you have formed twisting the rubber bands over every time you cross the ?handle?, once you get to the last bit of the rubber band it is good if you can make it 1/2 over the handle so there is a easy starting point for the person receiving the fish.