Here are some guidelines to follow on catching and releasing fish with as little harm as possible. Ther are in now way meant to be the gospel on the subject. Just some things I have learned along the way.
Start by fishing with barbless hooks or using pliers to pinch the barb on your hook. Every once in a while a fish will throw the hook but it is not that common.
Land the fish as quickly as possible.
Keep the fish in the water as much as possible.
Avoid squeezing a fish.
Try keeping the fish in the water while doing this. Remove the hook gently. Use hemostats, pliers, or a good grip with your thumb and index finger. If you can't remove the hook without injury cut the leader off as close as possible to the hook eye.
If you are going to measure your fish, do it underwater while supporting the fish upright and into the current.
Save the memories with pictures. With the cost and availability of digital cameras these days it is even easier.
If you want a picture of the fish do it right. Keep the fish in the water, as much as possible, facing into the current. When you are ready for the picture to be taken cradle the fish properly from the underside. Support the fish with a hand under the center to front third of the body. Try not to squeeze into the belly of the fish. The weight of the fish will do enough of that on it's own. Your other hand should be firmly gripping the point where the tail meets the body. Firmly does not mean squeeze. Lift the fish just slightly out of the water. Snap the picture. Gently set the fish back in the water. Let it revive and then release.
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