Additional Tips & Tactics for Successful Catch & Release

• Do not intentionally snag fish. Release those that are snagged quickly.
• Use circle or barb-less hooks to lessen injury to the fish and make hook removal as easy as possible.
• Use heavy enough tackle to land the fish quickly. This avoids broken lines or unnecessary stress on the fish by playing it too long.
• When landing a fish, use a soft, knot-less or rubberized net. Rubber nets are much easier on fish and significantly increase post-release survival rates.
• If you must handle the fish, first wet your hands before handling fish to prevent the removal of the fishes’ protective coating.
• When handling a fish, pay special attention to not put your fingers in the gills or touch the eyes.
• If the fish needs revival, support the fish gently upright in the water, cradling its midsection. If in a lake or slack water, move the fish in a figure-eight pattern to promote respiration. If in a stream or river, hold the fish completely submerged while pointing the head into the current to promote respiration Avoid pulling a fish backwards or pointing it downstream as water moving in the reverse direction can harm fish.
• Allow the fish enough time to regain normal breathing and the ability to remain upright.
• Release the fish only after your feel it has recovered and can swim freely from your hands.
• Remember that gentle handling and a short period of time out of the water is critical for the survival of a released fish.
  
• When fishing streams and rivers during the hot summer months, the temperature of the water can be very important to fish survival. (See more)