If you plan to release the fish, you need to know the right way to handle it.Even if the fish appears to swim away unharmed, holding it in a way that traumatizes it can make it less likely to survive.Keep the fish wet at all times, hold its body in a straight line, and support larger fish with both hands to keep it in good shape after you release it.
Step 1: Before handling the fish, wet your hands.
Too much contact can damage the mucus coating on most fish.Keeping your hands wet will help prevent damage.Before handling the fish, wet your gloves in the water.
Step 2: If possible, keep the fish underwater.
It can be dangerous to pull the fish out of the water.If you plan on releasing the fish, the best bet is to keep it in the water while you unhook it.Try to keep it as close to the water as possible if you have to raise it to unhook it.
Step 3: Hold your breath as you remove the fish from the water.
This will show you how long you can keep the fish out of the water.It is not a perfect measurement, but it can be a convenient way to keep track of time and ensure that you return the fish to water before it dies.If you don't want to hold your breath, keep track of time and make sure the fish is not out of the water for more than 90 seconds.
Step 4: The fish should be held with your hand behind the gill plate.
Placing your fingers behind the gill plate or flaps on the fish's head will give you a secure grip.The gills of a fish are delicate and should not be touched or inserted.Smaller fish can be held with one hand.
Step 5: The fish should be supported with both hands.
It is best to hold the fish with 2 hands if it is large.The weight of the fish will not damage its bones or internal organs.It's dangerous to hold a large fish with one hand.Keep one hand behind the gill plate and the other under the belly.The best way to hold largemouth bass, catfish, and carp is with both hands.
Step 6: The fish should be kept in a straight horizontal line.
To avoid bending its jaw or spine at an unnatural angle, it is important to keep the fish's body straight.It is best not to move the fish around too much.It is thought to be safer to keep the fish horizontal since a vertical position could cause damage to internal organs.The fish's body shouldn't be more than a 10 angle to its head.
Step 7: Don't touch the edges of the fins.
If you're not prepared, fish with fins on their backs can cut into your hand.If you are holding a small fish with one hand, you should slide your hand from the front of the fish to the back so that you can safely hold it.
Step 8: To remove the hook, use pliers.
If the fish has teeth, it can be more precise and efficient to do it by hand.To handle the hook, use long-handled fishing pliers.You can flatten the barb with your pliers or cut it off with a wire cutter.The end of the hook should come out if you hold it by where it connects to the line.If you are dealing with a large fish and don't have anyone to help you, sit down and support the fish's body on your knees while you use one hand to remove the hook.
Step 9: The hooks have been swallowed.
Cut the line and let the fish go without removing the hook.It is most likely that this will cause less damage to the fish.You will be doing a favor even if you lose a hook.
Step 10: When taking fish home, choose gut or gill-hooked fish.
If you plan to release some fish and catch others, the most humane option is to keep the fish that have hooks in their throats.Even if the line is cut, the fish will suffer injuries that may lead to death.The fish will be better off if they are kept rather than those with a higher chance of survival.You can catch fish quickly by reeling them in.The longer the fish have to struggle after being hooked, the more difficult it will be to remove the hook.Artificial scents and baits can cause fish to swallow hooks.
Step 11: Before releasing the fish, move away from fast currents.
If you are in fast moving water, you may want to move toward slower currents to give the fish a better chance at recovery.The fish will be better off getting into the water sooner rather than later if the waters are slower.
Step 12: The fish should be facing the current.
This is important if the fish has been out of the water for a while.It will get a rush of oxygenated water if it is facing it towards the current.
Step 13: Hold on to the fish as it swims away.
The fish may need a few moments to re-acclimate to the water, and letting go before it's ready may be harmful.Hold it by the sides until it starts to swim on its own.