If you decide to catch and release, please consider proper release to help fish survive after you have put them back in the water. Fish can be traumatized, weakened, or injured during the handling process.
Keep fish in the water as much as possible to minimize air exposure. Have long-nose pliers ready to back the hook out. Remove the hook quickly, keeping the fish underwater. If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line and release the fish as quickly as possible. Avoid using stainless steel hooks as they take longer to corrode if left in the fish. Never place your fingers through gills or in the eyes and don’t hold fish by the jaw as this may damage the jaw and vertebrae. Dry hands and nylon nets can strip away the fish’s protective slime coat, making it more susceptible to infection. When holding a fish, support its body properly by placing one hand under the belly and the other hand gently on the tail, ensuring that you’re not squeezing too tightly.
After handling, it’s vital to revive the fish before releasing it back into the water. Gently hold the fish in clear water, facing upstream, to allow water to flow through its gills. If the fish seems lethargic or unresponsive, continue to hold it in the water until it begins to show signs of strength, like wiggling its tail or swimming away. Look for signs that the fish is ready to go such as a firm kick of the tail or swimming away vigorously. If the fish is still struggling, continue to support it in the water until it regains strength. Follow this link to a 2 minute video demonstrating how to properly release fish:
By following a few simple steps, you can help fish survive.
R – reduce reel-time with fish, land fish as soon as possible.
E – encourage the use of rubber nets and cradles.
L – liberally wet hands or cloth gloves before handling fish.
E – easy access to long-nose pliers and ready for use.
A – always use two hands to support fish.
S – stick to 60 seconds or less exposure time.
E – enable fish to recover in water before letting go.