Question for any Ketchum Release Tool Users

D

Draketake

Steelhead
Forum Supporter
Evening all,

Im curious as to any feedback from users of the Ketchum Release Tool. My adult daughter has a hard time unhooking her fish even using hemosats. Finger dexterity is the issue, I think. She mainly uses flies from size #20 dries up to 4 inch Streamers.

Those that have used the Ketchum Release Tool, do you like it? What model of the three provided by Ketchum Release, would be a good all around one for the fly sizes listed above?

Or is there another release tool option?

Thank you in advance, for any and all help/input.

Bob
 
I had one and it worked well and was easy to use, but the plastic loop on the handle end broke off. I could rig a new loop or drill a hole, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

Pacific Fly Fishers sells this alternative and I'm thinking of buying it or making something similar. I'd be curious if anyone has used this variation:

pacificflyfishers.com

Guide's Choice Fish Release

The Guide's Choice Fish Release is a super handy tool which makes releasing fish quick and easy. Plus, it is as friendly on the fish as it gets. Use the Guide's Choice Fish Release to slide the tool down your leader until it hits the bend of the hook on the fly. Then, simply pull down on the...
pacificflyfishers.com pacificflyfishers.com
 
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Ketchum Release aren't buoyant, mine's at the bottom of Lake Lenore. I have a wood handled device similar to what Zak shows, it floats. It doesn't work for huge cones and beads bigger than 4 mm otherwise it's perfect.

@Scudley Do Right - show a picture of your device, I think I get what you're doing but it sounds like a great tool.
 
I have one and it works well. Like _WW_ stated, for the fly sizes you've mentioned, you might need all 3 sizes as they are each recommended for certain fly sizes. Big bug - fly sizes 6-10, standard - fly sizes 12-16, midge - fly sizes 18- 22.
 
Thanks guys. I was hoping to not have to buy all three sizes, but I think I may have to.

WW I tried those ones you mentioned, they just dont work well on beadheads and say, deer hair and foam patterns.

I am intriqued by scudleys suggestion. Hope he posts a pic.

Be safe.

Bob
 
They're great. I keep one on a zinger. I remember thinking "Wow! Neat." the first time I used mine. I had no idea they're made in three different sizes....
 
I have all sizes. they are the only thing I use for freshwater. I can land fish no net and no touch release any barbless hook with kecthum. I highly recommend them for barbless C&R guys who do not want to touch fish because touching harms them. Steelhead/salmon and salty fish I use fishing plier because big fish big hooks.
 
www.flyfishfood.com

Ketchum Release Tool

Ketchum Release Tool
www.flyfishfood.com www.flyfishfood.com

I use these, great little tools. Most of the time the fish will spit the hook when it’s thrashing in the net.
 
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Draketake said:
Thanks guys.

Buzzy whats the smallest fly that you think your tool will work on?
Click to expand...
I really don't fish flies smaller than an 18, it works on flies that small, quite well.

On one of our trips to BC I fashioned two of these using a green willow and coat hanger for my two buddies. Keith dropped his in the lake, it sank, just like my Ketchum Release did years ago. ;-)
 
The big size works on small flies but the small one does not. I've used them forever.
 
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