Catch & Release Fish Handling Tips

Name: eRegulations
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Don’t hold the fish out of the water for more than 30 seconds
Wet hands and hold fish by lip with one hand and support its body with the other hand
Hold fish over water in case it is dropped
For videos about safe handling, care and proper catch-and-release techniques watch Maryland's Best Practices Videos.

When removing the hook, use a soft rubber or small-mesh nylon landing net to hold fish, or firmly hold the fish with a wet rag or glove
Use a non-offset circle hook when live-lining or chumming to reduce the potential for deep-hooking the fish
Use barbless hooks with artificial bait. Barbs can be pinched down with pliers or filed off
Always have pliers, a de-hooker or hemostats handy for deeply hooked fish
If the hook cannot be removed from a deep or gut hooked fish without causing bleeding to the fish, then leave the hook in and cut the line as close to the mouth as possible

Try reviving a fish that is not lively by opening its mouth and pulling it forward to force water over the gills
Additional information is available at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Changes to Fishing Regulations website.

See Sharks for shark release recommendations.