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Wherever possible, remove the barbs from hooks. This makes
unhooking much easier.
-
Never keep fish that you plan to release in a keep-net. They
suffer both physical and mental stress, which can result in death.
-
If you wish to keep a fish for the table, rather keep a male.
-
Try to release the fish as soon as possible with the minimum amount
of handling. In some cases it is possible to remove the hook even
without touching the fish or lifting it out of the water.
-
Most fish have a protective layer which can rub off due to excessive
handling. Never handle a fish with dry hands. Always soak your hands in
the water first. Damaging this protective layer will
expose the fish to parasites and other conditions that can lead to
death.
-
Avoid gaffing a fish if you plan to release it again. Even sharks
can be grabbed by the tail and dragged onto the beach without gaffing.
(Only for experienced anglers.)
-
Teach yourself the technique of deflating fish that are caught in
deep water.
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More and properly organized weighing stations at competitions will
also ensure that fish can be released sooner.
-
Fish suffer a lot of stress while fighting and it is therefore
necessary to 'land' it as soon as possible. Several fish species will
die even after immediately being put back in the water.
If a fish is tired after the fight, spend some time to revive it in the
shallows. Keep its head facing upstream in order for oxygen to pass over
its gills.
