Just a little friendly reminder to take care of our friends, the fish, when holding it for a photo. Those are our business associates out there so we want to make sure they survive after we release them. A general rule of thumb, when holding a fish, the harder you squeeze the more they squirm. For a trout, cupping your hands and supporting the fish from the bottom is much better than trying to grip or squeeze the entire girth of the fish. When holding it out of the water, you should be holding your breath as well. That is the best reminder so that people don’t hold the fish out of the water too long. If you need to take a breath, odds are the fish needs one as well! Also, when holding the fish, always keep it over the water. Things are slippery when wet, especially when they are alive and do not want to be held. Be prepared for the fish to fall and they much prefer to fall into the water than on a dry bank or hard rock. And do not forget, never grab a fish with dry hands or put them on dry surfaces! We know you are excited after landing that big one but no picture of a fish is ever worth the life of a fish. We hope you have a great weekend on the water!
More on Fish Friendliness:
I use a product called a ARC Dehooker. They make several sizes, but the 9″ panfish work great on #2 Bonefish flies, and this summer I’m going to give it a try on Silver Salmon that I don’t turn into dinner. Slides over you line and down on the bend of the hook. Even comes with an instructional video on how to use. I haven’t had to handle a Bonefish in about 3 years. Unless you are wanting a hero shot give it a try. Only around $10-$15 dollars. From ebay or from website.
https://dehooker4arc.com/store/product.cfm/mode/details/id/404/9-pan-fish-deep-hooked-dehooker-perfect-for-fly-fishing