Handling fish properly during catch and release is crucial to ensure their survival after being released back into the water. Here are some tips to safely handle fish: 1. Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. Minimize the time out of water to reduce stress. 2. Use wet hands or a wet cloth to handle the fish. Dry hands can remove the protective slime layer, making the fish more susceptible to infections. 3. Avoid touching the gills or eyes, as they are delicate areas. 4. Use barbless hooks to make unhooking easier and less damaging to the fish. 5. Support the fish horizontally, especially larger ones, to avoid injuring their internal organs. 6. If the fish is exhausted, revive it by gently moving it back and forth in the water to help oxygen flow through its gills. Once the fish shows signs of strength, let it swim away on its own. Remember, the goal is to release the fish unharmed so it can thrive and be caught another day.

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Topics covered in this question:

Fishing Tips Catch And Release Fish Handling Fish Conservation