Helpful Tips on Releasing Fish

It is important to release a fish carefully and gently so that it has the best chance to survive.

Be Gentle

• Rough and repeated handling destroys the slimy protective coating on fish.
• Do not squeeze or touch the gills. Grasp fish just behind the gill covers and remove the hook as quickly as possible.
• Remove the hook as gently as possible.

Be Quick

• The faster a fish is played, unhooked and released, the better its chances of survival.
• A fish out of water is unable to breathe. Minimize the time your fish is out of the water.
• A fish that thrashes around may injure itself. Even a few inches of water under a fish will reduce injury. Use a net to keep the fish in the water as you remove the hook.
• Remove the hook as quickly as possible, preferably with long-nose pliers or hemostats. Don't tear the hook out. If a hook is deeply caught in the fish, cut the line and leave the hook in.

Be Sensible

• Using barbless hooks and avoiding live or organic bait increases the chance that you can release your catch unharmed.
• Don't release bleeding fish or fish that are deeply hooked if they are within your legal limit.
• A fish may lose equilibrium and float on its side when returned to the water. Hold the fish upright, in a swimming position, and moving it slowly forward so water runs through the gills and supplies oxygen. It may take a few minutes for a fish to recover. Release the fish when it begins to struggle.

Be Humane

• Fish are living creatures. Respect them before and after they are caught. Proper care of released fish will greatly improve survival and help maintain a healthy fishery.

Fly-In Fishing & Hunting on World Class Lake Savant in Northwest Ontario Canada