Best Handling Practices

Know How To Handle Your Fish — Both on the Line and Off

Have a fair fight

Use the right tackle for the size and species of fish you’re trying to catch and stay focused when reeling in fish to reduce longer fight times.

Stay wet

Handle your fish with wet hands. Using a dry cloth or gloves can remove both slime and scales, both needed for the fish’s health!

Support the fish

Support the full body weight of the fish when lifting a fish from the water. Don’t ever grab a fish by the gills or eyes and never hold the fish up by only its jaw.

Get that hook out

Remove the hook quickly. Use a dehooker if you can keep the fish in the water, or pliers for stubborn hooks. Simply cut the line close to the hook if it is deep in the mouth or gut.

Reduce time out of the water

Be quick! Get that photo or measurement and get that fish back in the water. The longer the fish stays out of the water, the greater the chance of mortality.

Don’t just toss it back

Release your catch head-first. If necessary, hold onto the fish and move it back and forth in the water to increase flow of oxygen-rich water over its gills before letting it go.