1. **Wet Your Hands**: Before touching the fish, wet your hands to protect their slime coat, which is essential for their health. This helps prevent the removal of protective mucus that can lead to infections.
2. **Use a Landing Net**: When bringing a fish out of the water, use a landing net to minimize stress and injury. Choose a net with rubberized mesh to further protect the fish.
3. **Avoid Lifting by the Gills or Eyes**: Never lift a fish by its gills or eyes, as this can cause serious harm. Instead, support the fish from underneath, cradling its belly.
4. **Keep It in Water as Long as Possible**: If you plan to release the fish, keep it in the water as long as possible. Remove the hook while the fish is submerged, if feasible, to minimize stress.
5. **Use Barbless Hooks**: Consider using barbless hooks or crimping the barbs on your hooks. This makes it easier to remove the hook and reduces injury to the fish.
6. **Limit Air Exposure**: If you need to take the fish out of the water for a photo, do so quickly and limit the time the fish is out of water. Hold it horizontally to support its body.
7. **Revive Before Release**: If the fish appears lethargic after being caught, gently hold it in the water facing upstream to help it recover before releasing it.
By following these tips, you can ensure a safer and more humane experience for both you and the fish. Happy fishing!
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