Handling and releasing walleye properly is crucial for their survival and the sustainability of the fishery. When catching walleye, it's important to use barbless hooks or hooks with crimped barbs to minimize injury. Keep the fish in the water as much as possible to avoid stress and damage to their gills. If you need to handle the walleye, make sure your hands are wet to protect their slime coat, which helps prevent infections and regulates their body temperature. Support the fish horizontally to avoid damaging their internal organs. When releasing the walleye, gently place it back in the water and hold it until it can swim away on its own. Avoid tossing or dropping the fish back into the water. It's also beneficial to revive the fish by gently moving it back and forth in the water to ensure it can swim away strongly.

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Fishing Tips Catch And Release Fish Handling Walleye