If the objective to "catch and release" is to release the fish to fight another day, how you hook, retrieve, boat and handle your fish can influence the fish's survial. I am sure you have seen many "catch and release" techniques over the years and some of these techniques cause unnecessary harm to the fish. If we follow a few basic rules of "catch and release", we can do the "right thing" for our fisheries.

1. "Quickset" the hook as soon as possible to prevent the fish from "deep swallwoing" the hook.

2. If fish is hooked in deep water, bring the fish up slowly. To decompress a fish, you may use a 16 to 18 gauge needle by inserting the needle int the side of the fish immediately behind upper part of pectoral fin, usually directly below the fourth and fifth spine. Let air escape without pressing on the fish, and repeat if necessary.

3. If possible, leave the fish in the water, but if not, lift the fish into the boat with a net or by hand. However, when lifting by hand make sure not to use the "jaw break" method of over extending the lover jaw. This can break the lower jaw and prevent the fish from eating after release.

4. Remove the hook with caution to prevent tissue damage. You may use barbless hooks, cut the hook or leave the hook if deep in gut. Once the gills and gut have been compromised the fish mostly likely will not survive. Do not jerk hooks out of fish. This causes unnecessary tearing of tissue.

5. It is best to use a glove or wet cloth to touch the fish. Do not put your fingers in the eyes or gills of the fish. Avoid removing mucus or scales from the fish.

6. Release the fish back into the water as soon as possilbe. When releasing, support the fish's mid-section and resusitate by moving fish back and forth by tail.