CATCH & RELEASE BEST PRACTICES

Begin
  • Set the hook quickly to reduce likelihood that fish will swallow the bait.
  • Play and land fish as quickly as possible. Playing fish to exhaustion can harm the fish.
  • Consider using barbless hooks.
  • Keep your Fishaseptic and release tools close by.

After Catch
  • Minimize the time fish is out of the water (no longer than you can hold your breath.)
  • Leave fish in the water if you can and use a tool to remove the hook.
    • Try to keep fish off the ground or floor of a boat.
    • Use a wet rag or glove, or wet hands before handling fish.
    • Turn fish on its back and cover its eyes to calm it.

Removing the Hook
  • Use needle-nose pliers, hemostats, or a hook remover to remove the hook and protect your hands.
  • Back the hook out the opposite way it went in.
  • Apply a generous portion of Fishaseptic to the external area surrounding the point of hook entry.

Letting it Go
  • Place fish in the water, gently supporting the mid-section and tail until it swims away.
  • Resuscitate an exhausted fish by moving it or facing it into the current, gently forcing water into the mouth and over the gills.
  • Watch the fish when released. If it doesn't swim away, recover it and try again.