Catch and Release Tips

by: Mike Lawson

• 1. Use barbless hooks - for your safety as well as the trout's.
• 2. Play fish as rapidly as possible - do not play to total exhaustion.
• 3. Keep fish in the water as much as possible when handling and removing hooks.
• 4. Remove hooks gently. Do not squeeze fish or put fingers in gills.
• 5. If deeply hooked, cut your line. Do not pull the hook out.
• 6. Release fish only after it has regained its equilibrium. If necessary, gently hold fish facing into the current and move fish back and forth slowly.
• 7. Release fish in quiet water.