Handling fish safely is crucial for their survival, especially when practicing catch and release. Proper handling techniques minimize stress and injury, increasing the chances that the fish will recover and thrive. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to handle fish safely, covering everything from wetting your hands to using the right tools. By learning these techniques, you can ensure that you’re doing your part to protect fish populations.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to handle fish safely.
Preparing to Handle Fish
- Wet Your Hands: Always wet your hands before handling fish. This helps protect the fish’s slime coat, which is essential for preventing infections and diseases.
- Use Proper Tools: Have a pair of needle-nose pliers, a hook remover, and a rubber or knotless net ready. These tools help you handle fish quickly and safely.
Landing the Fish
- Use a Rubber Net: Use a rubber or rubber-coated net to land the fish. These nets reduce the risk of damaging the fish’s scales and slime coat.
- Minimize Handling: Try to keep the fish in the water as much as possible. If you must handle it, do so gently and efficiently.
Handling Techniques
- Support the Fish: Support the fish’s body with one hand under its belly and the other behind its head or tail. Avoid squeezing the fish, as this can cause internal injuries.
- Avoid the Gills: Never put your fingers inside the fish’s gills or eyes. These areas are very sensitive and can be easily damaged.
- Keep the Fish Horizontal: Hold the fish horizontally to support its internal organs and reduce stress. Avoid holding the fish vertically by the jaw, especially for larger species.
Removing the Hook
- Be Gentle: Use needle-nose pliers or a hook remover to gently remove the hook. If the hook is deeply embedded, cut the line as close to the hook as possible rather than trying to force it out.
- Barbless Hooks: Use barbless hooks to make removal easier and reduce the chance of injury to the fish.
Reviving the Fish
- Hold in Water: Hold the fish in the water, facing into the current or gently moving it back and forth. This allows water to flow over the gills, helping the fish to breathe and recover.
- Release When Ready: Wait until the fish shows strong signs of swimming away before releasing it. Ensure the fish is stable and has regained its strength.
Special Considerations
- Cold and Warm Water: Fish are more vulnerable in extreme temperatures. In cold water, handle fish quickly to prevent them from freezing. In warm water, minimize handling time to reduce stress.
- Large Fish: For larger fish, use both hands to provide adequate support. One hand should support the belly, while the other supports the tail. Avoid lifting large fish solely by the jaw.
Photographs
- Quick Photos: If you want to take a photo, have the camera ready before handling the fish. Keep the fish in the water until you’re ready for the shot. Quickly take the photo and return the fish to the water.
- Support the Fish: Hold the fish gently and support its body while taking the photo. Avoid holding the fish out of the water for extended periods.
Conclusion
Handling fish safely involves using the right tools, minimizing handling time, and supporting the fish’s body to prevent injury. By following these guidelines, anglers can ensure the fish’s health and increase its chances of survival after release. Practice these techniques to become a more responsible and ethical angler, contributing to the conservation of fish populations and the sustainability of the sport.