This is a great question! There is certainly a way to handle fish, and a way not to as well!
Once you net the fish, the next step is to get it out of the net and back into the water as quickly as possible. Keep a few things in mind while your handling the fish, be gentle, and be quick!
If the fish doesn’t have any real sharp teeth, you can hold it by the lower lip. You do so, by grabbing the lower lip between your thumb and forefinger, and then lift it up. You’ll want to hold the fish in a horizontal position. Use your other hand and support the fish’s belly.
If you have one of the toothy critters such as Walleye or Pike, grab the fish across the back of the head. Place your thumb and fingers so they cover both gill plates. Be careful of the sharp edges of the gill plate!! Also, watch for that fin on their back, it’s mighty sharp! Be sure you get some portion of your hand over this fin, so the fish can’t stick you.
Don’t be timid when handling fish, you don’t want to drop it or let it squirm out of your hands.
Hopefully, the fish isn’t hooked deep and you can quickly remove your lure. If the fish swallowed your lure, you may have to free the lure by going in through the gill plate. Be very cautious when doing this! You could easily kill the fish if your not careful. If you have to do this, place your finger just inside the gill plate and be careful not to touch anything red!
After you’ve removed the hook, you may want a picture. Hold the underside of the fish with both hands so you can support it. Extend your arms and smile for the camera! You’ll see some people hold the fish by the gill plate or in a vertical position. Please don’t do this, holding the fish in this manner can cause harm.
Once you’re ready to release the fish, gently place it back in the water. If you release the fish and it doesn’t immediately swim away, it may need your help.
Grab the fish around the tail and gently push and pull it in the water. This pumping action gets the gills working again. Once the fish is ready, it’ll swim off.
© 2007, Scott Gaines. All rights reserved.