Application instructions for T-bar anchor tags
This information is for guidance to the first-time user. Procedures will vary, depending on the species and size of fish. Part F applies mostly for finfish.
The intending user should first do some practice tagging, and check for correct location of the anchor etc. We always include several free strips of marker-less tags with your first time order.
A. Tag description
T-bar tags are constructed from a cylindrical marker, moulded to the filament of a “T” anchor which, for absolute security, has a knob formed at the distal end. Anchors are in two sizes – fine and standard. Filament lengths – the distance from the “T” anchor to the start of the marker – are varied according to your needs, but are normally 13-25mm.
Marker length is best kept as short as possible.
Tags are supplied in strips of 50 with each tag in sequence.
B. Care and storage of tags
Each strip of tags is packed in a labelled and re-sealable plastic bag. These are contained in a rigid plastic box, in which the unused strips should be stored to prevent crushing and misalignment. On completing a tagging session, replace any part-used strip in its original labelled bag.
C. Applicator
This is known as a “tagging gun”. Many standard guns are available in most countries from suppliers of the basic tagging system used in commerce and industry. The appropriate gun must be used for each anchor.
D. Care of applicator
Rinse the gun in warm fresh water, with a small amount of detergent added, after use. Expose to warm air to dry out the inside completely. Then spray lightly with penetrating oil and place in an air-tight container. The needle should be removed before cleaning and re-inserted before resuming next tagging.
If engaged in a prolonged tagging session, occasional flushing with fresh water will minimize the possibility of corrosion and keep the mechanism free of foreign matter.
Spare needles are inexpensive, and a number of these should be obtained.
The protective cap covering the needle should be kept in place at all times, except when applying tags. It clips conveniently into two holes on the top of the gun when not in place.
E. Use of applicator
Full instructions for this are included with each gun. READ THIS FIRST (Not when all else fails!).
F. Insertion of tags into fish
Normal procedures for minimizing trauma and damage to the fish should be employed (eg minimum holding time, wet hands or cloth etc). At the point of tagging the fish should be under as much control as possible.
Following the tagging gun instructions, ensure that the strip of tags is correctly inserted with the first tag in the strip sequence leading. Also make sure the needle locating knob is in the locked position.
With most fish, the best position to insert the needle is usually posterior to the base of the first dorsal spine, in the flesh just below the dorsal fin.
Hold the fish with the left hand – head of fish to the left- with the index finger directly behind the intended point of tag entry to give support.
With the gun in the right hand, remove a scale with the point of the needle to expose the flesh at the point of entry.
Push the needle towards the head at as shallow an angle as possible, until it penetrates between the dorsal fin rays.
Hold the gun steady and squeeze the handle fully so as to eject the tag. Still holding the tag in the same position, twist it very slightly and pause for one second before withdrawing the needle. This helps to ensure that the anchor is securely locked between the spines. Keep the handle squeezed fully until the needle is completely withdrawn.
Always remember to check that you have correctly recorded the tag number before you release the fish.
G. What to do when something goes wrong
1. Be gentle – do not use force as this will only make things worse.
2. If everything seems OK, but the next tag does not feed into the needle position, remove the strip and re-load. If the tag still does not feed into the correct position, resume tagging with the other end after checking for any evidence of grit etc. in the feed mechanism. Remember you will then be working out of sequence.
3. If a tag has started to feed out, but is jammed in the needle, do NOT try to force it through. Remove needle with jammed tag, then the strip of tags. Then prise out the jammed tag, taking care not to damage the needle. Inspect needle and ejector pin for damage or fouling. It may pay to play safe and replace with spare needle which should be carried with any tagging kit.
Flush out gun in fresh water if possible, and operate gun a few times without tags to ensure mechanism is free. Replace strip of tags and resume tagging.
If the previously jammed tag is in reasonable condition, it can often still be used by inserting the anchor into the pointed end of the needle and then applying in the normal way.
4. Always carry at least one spare tagging gun and needle, as this will enable you to rectify any problem after your tagging is finished for the day.
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