1. **Wet Your Hands**: Before touching the fish, wet your hands to minimize the removal of their protective slime coat. This coat is essential for their health and helps prevent infections.
2. **Use a Landing Net**: If possible, use a rubber or soft mesh net to land the fish. This reduces the risk of injury to the fish compared to traditional nets with nylon mesh.
3. **Minimize Air Exposure**: Try to keep the fish in the water as much as possible. If you need to take it out for a photo, do it quickly and hold the fish horizontally to support its weight.
4. **Avoid Squeezing**: When holding the fish, avoid squeezing it tightly. Instead, support its body and keep it as calm as possible.
5. **Remove Hooks Carefully**: Use needle-nose pliers to remove hooks gently. If the hook is deeply embedded, cut the line close to the hook instead of trying to remove it, as this will give the fish a better chance of survival.
6. **Revive Before Release**: If the fish appears lethargic after being handled, hold it in the water facing upstream to help water flow over its gills. This process is known as reviving the fish.
7. **Choose the Right Time**: If fishing in warm water, consider the time of day. Fish are more susceptible to stress during high temperatures, so early mornings or late evenings are ideal for catch and release.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that the fish you release have the best chance of survival, contributing to healthier fish populations and sustainable fishing practices.
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