Catch and Release

[Supertrout]

Many of you may already know this; however, not everyone has a good teacher around when they land that first native:
   Catch and release is an important tool for preserving our stocks of native steelhead and salmon. When a wild fish is caught anywhere, whether retention is legal or not, please release it to allow for maximum spawning This will produce more of these great fish.
   Once you have identified the fish as wild, guide the fish towards a shallow area on the edge of the shore. A few inches of water will provide adequate cushion to keep the fish from bonking itself on the rocks. Avoid getting sand on it, which could damage it’s protective slime coat.
   With the fish under control in the shallows, wet your hand, and firmly grab it by the tail. Then gently grab it behind the pectoral fins to subdue it. Do not squeeze so tightly that you cause internal injuries to the fish. If a picture is to be taken, have a friend center you and the fish in the frame while you keep the fish in the water. It is important that the fish isn’t removed from the water. Cradle the fish just at water level and smile while a photo is quickly taken. Here is an example of a picture that keeps the fish in the best possible condition, while preserving the memory:

   Remove the hook from the fish by backing it out gently. If the hook is deep in the fish, cut the leader, to avoid causing bleeding during removal. It will fall out eventually. Then, point the fish upstream in cool, flowing water. Move it forth gently, to circulate water over its gills. When the fish attempts to swim away vigorously, watch it power off into the depths!
   If native fish are present, please use a line test heavy enough to land these fish without exhausting them. Barbless single hooks can help to minimize damage to fish. If few or no hatchery fish are around, avoid using bait to prevent deep hook-ups. When using bait do not use such a small hook that the fish inhales it. Also avoid using such a large hook that damage is caused to eyes/gills.
Enjoy catching a nice nate!

[dansguidedtrips]

great job i agree 100% 

[posit]

you should not move the fish "back" only "forth"!

[BigJim]

I believe Posit is right, great job on the tutorial though. Very good, recently i read that the back and forth motion suffocates the fish on the back motion as the lamella or whatever it is called is pushed down causing the fish not to be able to get oxygen to this part as fish dont swim backwards the  lamella? is not designed to take oxygen that way.

 Once again, cool picture and great tutorial.

[Supertrout]

...

[Todd]

Due to the fact that I tend to use pretty heavy line, really bring the fight to the fish, and use a knotless CnR net when feasible, most every fish I release takes off like a bat outta hell and splashes me in the face as soon as I let go of its tail!

Fish on...

Todd

[Supertrout]

Thanks for the good info guys! 



Also! Note the part about watching it power off in to the depths. 

[BigJim]

No, Supertrout I was just stating a piece of information. Great tutorial, the fish is supposed to be placed in fast enough water that oxygen is pushed through its gills, rocking it back and forth is counterproductive unless I am wrong. As stated before it was a piece I read recently in an overpriced magazine that I have bought one time. Great article though and worth the money, basically the reason I bought it.

[Sturzman]

BigJim is correct, there's no need to rock the fish back and forth. If you have to revive the fish, you're doing something wrong. Be like Todd and land the fish quick enough so it's not too fatigued. Really the best thing to do is remove the hook without touching the fish, it should immediately swim away. If you must have a "grip n grin" minimize your handling time the best you can.

[camo drifter]

good info guys!