An angler cradling a fish with wet hands before release
Gear needed
- Barbless or pinched-barb hooks
- A hook remover or long-nose pliers
- A rubber-mesh landing net
- Wet hands or wet gloves
Steps
- Land the fish quickly to limit exhaustion
- Wet your hands before touching the fish
- Back the hook out with a remover
- Cut the line for deeply hooked fish
- Support it in the water until it revives
Common mistakes
- Handling with dry hands and stripping the slime
- Keeping fish out of water for long photos
- Forcing out a deeply swallowed hook
- Keeping injured or undersized fish
Safety notes
- Wear gloves for venomous or spiny species
- Mind hook points and fish teeth when unhooking
- Release from firm footing or in the water
- Follow closed seasons and size limits