First and foremost is the health of the fish. I try not to harm the fish any more than I already have by catching it in the first place. I realize etiquette differs from state to state. In southwest Florida along with bringing fish aboard for photos, the use of a lip gaff to land a tarpon went to the wayside well over 20 years ago. After a friend of mine on my boat had a 60# tarpon shove a release gaff through his forearm 25 years ago I quit using them. A good pair of gloves, like the Aftco Release Gloves or the Pelagic End Game Gloves is all you need. I don't use any lures with treble hooks for tarpon anymore. If I did, I would still use a release gaff to handle them boat side for safety reasons. I see a lot of guys dragging fish ½ a mile to a sand bar so they can get in the water and get their photo that way, but not only is that illegal in the state of Florida, it is also really bad for the health of the fish.
Ok, the fish is almost done. Now what?
If you are going to successfully relase a tarpon and get a great photo at the same time, you will need at least two people in the boat. One catching the fish and another with the camera. To have a third person to leader and grab the fish is even better. Tell everyone their job BEFORE you grab the fish.
I direct the angler to bring the fish to the boat coming from the left or right, never directly pointed at the side of the boat. Leading a green tarpon that way is the best way to have one jump right in the boat. I prefer to have the fish pointed towards the bow. As many of you already know, this is easier said than done. When I grab the leader, I try to lead the fish slowly and smoothly in a direction parallel to the boat. Slow and smooth is key, on the rod as well as the leader. The more you fight him the more he will fight you.
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Photos Courtesy of Capt. Mark Bennett
4 Golden Rules of Releasing Large Tarpon
I.
Never drag the fish out of the water. This includes not dragging it into shallow water to lift its body out of the water for a picture. Never bring it into the boat or on the deck.
II.
Grab the fish by the mouth only. Do not reach through the gills to hold or grip the fish, after landing it. This may cause damage to the gills and the fish may bleed and die.
III.
Use adequate tackle, including line strength so as to not unnecessarily exhaust the tarpon.
IV.
Spend time reviving the tarpon. Do not, however, drag the tarpon too quickly. A knot or two is fine. Five knots is too fast. When the fish begins to bite your hand and kick its tail, she's getting close.