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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.