How To Release a Fish

One of the many skills an angler should have is how to release a fish properly. When you can catch and release a fish with as little impact on the fish as possible, not only are you allowing other anglers the chance to catch big fish, but as the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources points out, it will help preserve the brood stock and fish numbers.

Six Tips for a Better Catch and Release Technique

1. Time is essential. Quickly play and release fish. A fish played for too long will be too exhausted to recover.
2. Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. Remove the hook as quickly as possible. Single barbless hooks can often be removed while the fish is still in the water.
3. Gentle handling is essential. Avoid squeezing or putting your fingers in the gills or eye sockets. It's best to hold a fish gently by its belly or by the area in front of the tail.
4. To revive an unconscious fish hold it upright in the water. Move the fish forward and backward so that water runs through the gills. This may take a few minutes. When it begins to struggle, release it.
5. When photographing a fish, hold it horizontally and do not squeeze the fish. Do not put your hands in its gills or hold it vertical by its gills.
6. The fun of fishing is catching fish - enjoy the thrill, and allow other anglers to enjoy it too! Follow these simple guidelines and help preserve quality sport trophy fishing opportunities for the future! A healthy renewable resource is in everybody's best interest.

Wilderness Air, copyright 2004

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