Catch and Release Tips

Always be Gentle

Remove hooks carefully. Never rip out a hook!

Use the “hook shake” technique. Reach into the fish’s mouth and grasp the hook shank with fingers or pliers. Lift the fish and rotate the hook shank down and shake gently, allowing the fish to slide off the hook.

Hooked in the gills, throat, or stomach?

Cut the hook off and leave it in. It will rust out of the fish in a short time period.

Consider using barbless hooks and replacing treble hooks.

Single hooks reduce injury and make live release quicker and easier on the fish.

Using live bait?

Watch your line and set the hook as soon as possible to avoid having the fish swallow the bait.

Don’t wear out the fish!

Exhausted fish are at higher risk of dying after release. Landing and releasing a fish quickly will improve its recovery.

Use the right size net!

Big fish shouldn’t be folded into small nets.

Before releasing a tired fish, cradle it in a swimming position.

Move it gently in an “s” pattern to force fresh water through its gills until the fish is able to maintain an upright position on its own.

Keep the fish in the water, if possible.

Limit the fish’s contact with other objects to protect its slime coating, which is critical to fish health.

Ice fishing?

Avoid exposing the fish to the freezing air. Unhook in the water.