Lee Wulff famously said that “gamefish are too valuable to be caught only once.”
Catch and release was first adopted when fly fishermen realized that it was the best possible practice to conserve fish stocks amid a growing population and dwindling habitat. Our sport would be greatly restricted if this practice was not in use. Once you start to catch, you begin to realize that half of the fun is watching the fish wiggle out of your palm and return to its natural state.
I don't want you to get the idea from this post that I am against keeping your fish, however, it's important to know the rules and regulations of where you are fishing and the population of the species you have hooked.
Trout, specifically, is a very delicate species. When it comes to population and overall care for the singular fish. Due to their small scales and tiny nature, the species is prone to internal and external damage from the most simple mistakes.
When unhooking a Trout be sure to have a firm grip so that, when removing the hook, you do not puncture it again. But be careful, too tight of a grip and you might damage its internal organs.
If you have never held a Trout before then this might be news to you, they are very slimy. Trout have a protective layer of slime on their bodies that keeps them safe from fungal and bacterial infections. It also allows them to slip efficiently through the water. When you handle a fish with dry hands, the slime sticks to you and rubs off the fish. This is why it is of the utmost importance that you wet your hands before picking one up. Removing that slime makes them extremely susceptible to multiple diseases.
Okay, now that you have caught your first Trout and successfully and safely removed the hook it's time to get it off the line. Release the fish by sliding your hand down the leader, grabbing the fly with a clamp or hemostats, and twisting the fly out. The fish swims away untouched. A barbless hook makes this release technique incredibly effective. If you have to remove the fish from the water do it hastefully and then let it go. To some this might be obvious but just to be safe; do not throw the fish into the water, gently set it in the water. If you are proud of your fish and want a picture be sure the cameraman is ready to go so you can quickly take it and then release it. You can also compose excellent photos with the fish still in the net, or just resting comfortably in your hands and partially or completely submerged.
Think about everyone else that would dream of catching that beautiful fish you just reeled in. I know how exciting it is when you finally get one but be mindful of your surroundings and those who are aiming for the same goal. With that being said when you hook your trophy fish do not go crazy. That rush of adrenaline will hit you as it should but if you scream out or run around you will ruin the chances for everyone else nearby. Have fun, be smart, and make good decisions.
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