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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:

1. Use barbless hooks; they cause less damage to the fish.
2. Play a fish no longer than necessary. To do so decreases its chance of survival.
3. 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.
4. Use of a landing net also increases the survival rate of a trout.
5. Gently push the hook out and cradle the fish in your hand, underwater and facing upstream.
6. After a moment, allow the fish to swim free. If the fish turns upside down, catch it and revive it as stated above.