Here there is a list of recomendations on how to handle fish
for a safe releasing, although there are some arguable matters,
like "barbless or not barbless".
When fishing barbless hooks, they penetrate deeper in the
flesh, making it more difficult to heal and also by hooking
and un-hooking during the fight, they can produce several
injuries, instead of just one... Think about it ?
Netting
Use the strongest tippet possible to ensure your success,
but also to shorten the battle with the fish.
Use barb-less or crushed barb hooks. The latter is preferred
because the hook does not penetrate so far.
Use a net, ideally with a knot-less mesh.
Avoid dragging the trout over shallow water and onto rocks
etc. Try not to walk in front of your netted fish, especially
over a sandy bottom, so that the fish is not getting silt
and sand in its gills.
Keep your capture under the water all the time until ready
for a photo and release.
Holding
Once netted, squeeze the fish gently just in front of
the tail and hold it upside down. The pressure must be firm
and applied directly on top of the back and underneath.
Do not squeeze the sides. The trout should, with this pressure
applied correctly, be "knocked out" and consequently
will not damage itself by struggling.
The lure or fly can now be removed with the free hand.
If a photo is desired, get your companion to have the camera
ready prior to holding up the fish, so that it is kept out
of the water for the least time possible. Aim for no longer
than 10 seconds and if there is a problem with the camera,
it is better to replace the trout in the water until ready
again!
Nice nature, nice fish, look after them!
Releasing
Place the trout back in the water facing the current.
If possible try to choose a spot where the current is not
too strong and where the fish has access to cover, like
an undercut bank or a deep drop-off.
Release the pressure while supporting the trout underneath
and it should regain its senses and depart quickly if the
operation has been carried out correctly.
Preferably use wet gloves when handling trout to reduce
knocking off scales and slime and for a better grip. If
you don’t have gloves, a wet sock or wet hands will
do. Never use dry hands.
Try this method out next time you wish to release a fish
and you will see for yourself how easy and effective it is.
A short review
Netting: Land
fish quickly with strong tippet and net!
Holding: Keep
fish in water as much as possible!
Releasing: What
a satisfying thing to do!
Tip: Handle
fish with wet hands!
Happy Catch & Release fishing
Henry's son David burst into the house
crying. His mother asked him what the problem was. "Daddy
and I were fishing and he hooked a giant fish. Really big!
Then while he was reeling it in, the line busted and the fish
got away." "Now come on David", his mother
said, "A big boy like you shouldn't be crying about an
accident like that. You should have just laughed it off."
"But Mum" David said, "that's just what I did".
