Catch
and Release
There's nothing wrong with keeping
some fish for the frying pan. Fish are delicious and eating a few fresh fish is
a great way of capping off a fun day of fishing. If you plan on releasing fish
though, there are some steps you can take to help improve the survival of the
fish.
Methods for Releasing Fish:
- Use barbless hooks; they cause less damage to the fish.
- Play a fish no longer than necessary. To do so decreases its chance of survival.
- Wet your hands before touching a fish that is to be released. Dry skin will remove the mucous coating on trout. Avoid touching the gills.
- Use of a landing net also increases the survival rate of a trout.
- Gently push the hook out and cradle the fish in your hand, underwater and facing upstream.
- After a moment, allow the fish to swim free. If the fish turns upside down, catch it and revive it as stated above.
