Have you ever wondered just what fish have to tell us as tournament anglers or organizers?

Would they tell us we need to look for ways to improve how we handle and release fish during and after the weigh – in process at competitive events?

Beginning in 2001, Shimano invested in an extensive research partnership with Dr. Bruce Tufts and Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Dr. Tufts is a fish physiologist and internationally recognized expert on catch and release fishing. His research since 1994 has been published in leading scientific journals as well as popular outdoor magazines in Canada and the U.S.

With the collective support of friends like Cliff Shelby, Forrest Wood, Randy Hopper, Charlie Hoover and Ranger Boats, Bob Patterson and Mercury Marine, Curtis Atwater and Lowrance Electronics, the folks at Princecraft Boats and the man who brought ‘catch and release’ to tournament fishing - Ray Scott, we have developed one easy-to-use "fish friendly" handling system that the fish seem to like a lot.

The important scientific findings show the weigh-in process is the most critical time for fish caught in a live release tournament. The Shimano Water Weigh-In System has profound physiological benefits for the fish.

The Shimano guide is written for tournament organizers and natural resource agencies everywhere.

Sometimes we just need to listen to the fish ...