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This is the gospel on killing mudsnails |
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The study regarding how to control New Zealand mudsnails on
wading gear has finally concluded. The effort was exhaustive, expensive, and
more time consuming than any of us could have imagined at the start. The
result is the only scientifically tested and validated protocol for
decontamination of wading gear.
Was it worth it? I think this puts things into perspective: During the field
trial phase 50 anglers waded through Putah Creek then had their gear
examined. 100% of the anglers were infected with NZ mudsnails and the
average angler played host to 33 snails. The majority of the snails were
less than 1mm and nearly invisible, yet fully capable of cloning itself in a
remote site and infecting an entire watershed.
During the study, many myths were dispelled and three very viable options
were proven. All options are doable in the “real world” fishing environment,
will kill 100% of the mudsnails in 5 minutes, and will not cause undo wear
on wading equipment. Lab personnel and biologists might prefer the options
that include using benzethonium chloride or copper sulfate; but for the
average angler, the following is the most simple and cost effective
technique:
Mix equal parts FORMULA 409 DISINFECTANT and WATER then soak gear for 5
minutes.
Dunk gear in a bucket or put into a river runner’s “dry” bag, shake, then
let steep for 5 minutes. If these options are not available, soak equipment
with a squirt bottle and keep wet for 5 minutes. Pay particular attention to
the inside of wading boots, under laces, and inside tongue gussets.
Testing was performed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the
US Fish and Wildlife Service in conjunction with the Federation of Fly
Fishers, California Trout, and private anglers. Funding was provided by Cal
Fed. Wading equipment was generously donated by Orvis, Patagonia, and Simms.
The full report can be downloaded from http://flyline.com/_images/nzms_final_report.pdf
It is a very thorough and interesting review of the mudsnail issue and
describes step by step the testing that went into the research. I would
highly recommend that every angler download a copy.
Please disseminate this information and feel free to contact me if you have
any questions. If you can provide me with further media outlets, that would
be greatly appreciated!
Ralph Cutter,
California School of Flyfishing
cutter@flyline.com
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