Step 6 :
Picture Proof
When preparing for a picture of your fish , be sure to wet your hands . A fish ’ s slime is its immune system ’ s first layer of defense . By wetting your hands , you are preserving its defense system .
Be sure to have a firm grip on the fish , supporting its tail and “ chest ” area . Holding fish by the gills is a big no-no if you intend to release the fish . And don ’ t lift them by the tail either as doing so breaks down their body structure .
When shooting photos of a fish make sure your camera is ready to function . I always like to follow the , “ one , two , three , lift ” technique , so that cameraman and angler are on the same page . While hoisting the fish , keep a net below it , precaution against unpredictable fish flops . Do not keep the fish out of water . If the camera needs an adjustment , place fish in the net and keep it in the water .
Before holding any fish out of water , note the air temperature . If it ’ s below the freezing point a fish can be severely damaged .
Step 7 :
Revive
If all steps are followed correctly , reviving a fish should be easy . Many times , the moment you take the fish out of the net , it shoots off like it knows the drill .
Other times , a fish is tired and seems unwilling to leave . We know how badly we all want to throw another cast when the fishing is good , but take the time to fully revive a fish . Sometimes you may spend a few minutes with a trout or salmon or steelhead . Keep them level in the water , pointed upstream , or broadside in gentle water , and move them gently back and forth . You ’ ll feel their strength returning .
Step 8 :
Release
There is something special about watching a monster trout — or any fish for that matter — making a strong run from your hands to the river . It ’ s my favorite part of the whole experience .
I find that significantly loosening your hold , while still supporting the fish , translates to a fish that he or she is free . So , make sure that the fish is healthy before releasing your grip ; make sure that the fish is choosing to swim away , and that you ’ re not forcing it to . If you let go of the fish before it ’ s recovered , it might go belly-up , just out of reach .
Catch-and-release isn ’ t for everyone , all the time , and there is nothing wrong with that — some of us like to eat fish . But , there will be times when even those of us who like to eat fish will be required to practice catch-and-release . If you follow these simple rules you ’ ll send fish back to the river feeling strong , ready to fight again .
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