Proper Fish Handling and Photo Tips

[7mmfan]

After some feedback from other members, I've made a couple of changes to ensure clarity. If anyone has suggestions of their own that I haven't included, feel free to chime in. Lets keep it educational 

As we're nearing the end of winter steelhead season on the coast, we've had numerous threads where people have been flamed for holding wild fish out of the water, and just poor fish handling in general. This weekend, I was on the Queets and I saw multiple people net fish from the boat, drag them in, hold them up for 15-20 seconds for pictures (one guy holding the fish by the gills!) and then toss the fish back in the river, high fives all around, lets go kill another one! This kind of activity KILLS fish guys. We all whine and complain about rivers getting shut down, new regulations, less opportunity, and yet many of these same people are the ones out there abusing the resource. Show these fish a little bit of a respect for the journey they've made by treating them well when you catch them, and lets continue to have the opportunity to chase these amazing animals every year.

I don't want to turn this into a rant, but would like to offer up some tips and advice from 20 years of catch and release fishing, and 10 years of guiding anglers. These are tips on how to effectively land, handle, photograph, and release a fish without having to remove it from the water. This not only will reduce the impact on the fish itself, but keep Johnny Law off your back! If anyone else has input or tips of their own, please add them.

Landing Fish

Lets start at the beginning. You've hooked a dandy. He's tearing up the run and you're loving life. Some people want to enjoy every minute of this and milk the fight for as long as possible. Not a good idea. Here is how to do it quickly and efficiently.

Tip #1: Hit the bank.

                    - This may not always an option, but given the way almost all of our coastal rivers here in WA are structured, you will have a bank on one side, and a bar on the other. If you have access to a gravel bar, or even a bank that you can negotiate, there is no reason to net and handle the fish from the boat, regardless of what you were using when you hooked it. A fish hooked on a plug, jig, worm, rag, or bait can ALL be netted and handled easier when you're standing in the water with them as opposed to hanging over the side of the boat. If you are not planning on taking a photo of the fish, then this isn't as big of an issue, but if you intend to photograph, you cannot easily do this in a legal and appropriate fashion.

Holding the fish out of the water over the boat is not only illegal in the state of WA, but it poses all kinds of risks for the fish. I can't count how many times I've seen fish flop and end up in the bottom of the boat thrashing around, knocking coolers over, spilling tackle boxes, and just beating themselves to death. They may take off like a shot when they eventually do get back in the water, but the damage is done. Many of these fish suffer internal injuries, and their slime coating (which is their defensive immune system by the way) is probably spread all over the bottom of your boat.

Tip #2: Land the fish as quickly as possible.

                    - If this fish is going to be released, releasing it with as much energy as possible will increase his odds of survival tremendously. You do not have to wear a fish down to complete exhaustion to land them. Which leads us to our next tip.

Tip #3: Get a net.

                    - This one isn't always an option, especially if your a bank angler. If you are in a boat of any kind though, you have the ability to carry a net with you. You can often land a fish in almost half the time with a net that you could trying to tail them. The type of net you use is also important. Knotless nets are the rule now. I use a full rubber mesh landing net. They have numerous benefits for me and the fish. They are soft, stretchy, and knotless, causing almost no harm to the fish. These nets also do not get caught in the fish's gills or fins which allows you to keep the fish underwater to breath and recover without having to worry about getting all wrapped up in your net. Also, because they are 100% rubber, not coated, hooks absolutely do not tangle in them. This increases your efficiency in getting the gear out of the net, photo taken, and fish on its way, which allows you to get back to fishing faster.

Handling the fish

                   - This isn't so much a tip, but basic common sense. You're on the bank, your trophy is in the net. Chances are the fish needs a break anyway. Cutting an exhausted fish loose immediately after a hard fight without a break of any kind is not a good idea. Many of those fish rush back out into heavy water and can't hold anymore. They end of wearing themselves to complete exhaustion and dying. At all times keep them upright, head into the current so they can breath, and allow them a moment to recover. With a good knotless net, the fish can do this inside of the net so you can get a quick picture of him when he's revived. If the fish is sitting in the net belly up, you need to help that fish get upright and keep it upright until it is completely revived.

A few simple rules for proper fish handling:
                   - Don't lift them all the way out of the water.
                   - Don't under any circumstances, put your hands in their gills. How would you feel if you just sprinted a 400m dash and   someone came up, slapped you on the back, stuffed your head underwater and shoved their hands down your throat?
                   - If their heads have to come out of the water, limit it to a few seconds. There is no need for more than that even for a great photograph.
                   - Don't let the fish go until it tries to leave. These fish are often tired. Many of them won't try to leave because they're to wiped out. Hold them in the water, head into the current until they decide its time. This may be 10 seconds, this may be 5 mintues. Giving them the time they need to recover is critical to their survival.

Photographing

Here it is, it's time. You've landed your trophy, all your gear is stowed and he's had a minute to recover in the net while never leaving the water. Take a minute and get some good measurements (for a replica mount maybe?). Now I don't consider myself an expert photographer by any means, but I have taken thousands upon thousands of fish photos, and I feel that I know what works, and what doesn't.

- Have the photographer get down to your level. Pictures from up above of you holding the fish at water level never turn out well.

- Don't have sun directly behind you, or directly on you. These fish are shiny and direct sunlight will blow out the photo. Angled sun will provide the best option for you if its sunny. If its cloudy, then it doesn't matter.

- Have the photographer get close enough that you almost fill the frame of the pic. If he's 15' away, you're not going to get the detail you want.

- YOU hold the fish by the wrist of his tail with one hand, and the other slid on his belly up under his pectoral fins. Again, DO NOT EVER put your hands in the fish's gills.

- YOU hold the fish straight up and down, and straight lengthwise. You don't need to stretch the fish, but you don't want to contort the fish either.

- YOU lift the fish so that an inch or two of the fish's belly is left in the water. This is the only time that I will remove the fish's head from the water. If you're set up appropriately, this will only happen for 3-5 seconds and then they are back in the water entirely.

- Lastly, and this is partly fish handling as well. If the fish doesn't want to be photographed, don't force it. Some fish are just uncooperative and theres nothing you can do about it. I've been left many times with a picture of me with a face full of water. You may really REALLY want a picture of that beast, but his life and well being is more important than  your photo. Remember that.


From the moment the fish slides into the net, to the snap of the picture should not have to take more than about 30-45 seconds. If the fish needs more time to revive, give it to him, but the act of landing, unhooking, picture taking, should be done very quickly to minimize the impact on the fish.


You've done it! You've landed your trophy in a timely manner AND you were able to get a fantastic photo of him, all while maintaining the letter of the law. That fish is most likely in very good shape and will continue up river to make babies so that we can continue to pursue these fish for years to come. Please take this to heart, its more important than many people feel it is. Now for the photo documentary. Enjoy.

[wildmanoutdoors]

There was a great thread about this already. Good to bring it back. Especially after some of the redneck Neanderthal posts lately holding fish in there boats and shiat. Im pretty much done complaining.
The Neanderthals that use these poor techniqes can kill em all. Once there gone no more worries. Between them and the indians the fish have no chance.

[Bullkllr]

Thanks for posting.

I find it odd also that many who argue against C&R in the first place seem to be the worst fish handlers.

And I would add: after a while you really need to ask yourself if you need a picture of each and every fish you bring to hand. Avoiding handling altogether is safest for the fish.

[tmike]

Great write up, great pictures, and great reminder. I think most of the time people don't realize the damage that they are doing and haven't been taught any proper techniques. It also reminds me to replace my net to a more fish friendly one. I had one but it rotted and fell apart. Thanks

[bullchaser]

Good write up. Thanks.

[TheHunt]

Excellent summary...  This should be pinned on top of the fishing category.

[quadrafire]

7MM I really like that last photo. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I agree

[WSU]

Great write-up!  None of us were born with the inherent knowledge of how to properly handle fish.  Everyone has to learn somehow.  Hopefully folks listen and improve their techniques. 

[quadrafire]

Seems like most learned by watching bass fishing shows on TV

[sirmissalot]

The amazing part is all the professionals you see miss handling them. Its pretty common, and not all that hard to just do it the right way.

[Bullkllr]

The amazing part is all the professionals you see miss handling them. Its pretty common, and not all that hard to just do it the right way.

Watch Tom Nelson on that Pro-Guide Northwest show or whatever it's called for bad examples of fish handling in almost every episode. Under-sized and natives throwing scales all over the boat, fish out of the water way too long, fish picked up by the tail, etc. I KNOW he knows better.

[WSU]

I noticed that too.  Lots of bad examples on TV.

[huntnphool]

I find it odd also that many who argue against C&R in the first place seem to be the worst fish handlers.

 Avoiding handling altogether is safest for the fish.

Wouldn't not catching them in the first place actually be the "safest for the fish"?

[WSU]

I find it odd also that many who argue against C&R in the first place seem to be the worst fish handlers.

 Avoiding handling altogether is safest for the fish.

Wouldn't not catching them in the first place actually be the "safest for the fish"?

Except the only ones that care about fish and fight for them are fisherman.  It's the same as hunters.  We all argue that hunting is good for wildlife.  By your logic, shouldn't we all stop hunting since it would be the safest for the wildlife?

[huntnphool]

I find it odd also that many who argue against C&R in the first place seem to be the worst fish handlers.

 Avoiding handling altogether is safest for the fish.

Wouldn't not catching them in the first place actually be the "safest for the fish"?

  It's the same as hunters.  We all argue that hunting is good for wildlife.  By your logic, shouldn't we all stop hunting since it would be the safest for the wildlife?

Actually it's not the same. Hunting is a tool used to maintain the balance.

[WSU]

I find it odd also that many who argue against C&R in the first place seem to be the worst fish handlers.

 Avoiding handling altogether is safest for the fish.

Wouldn't not catching them in the first place actually be the "safest for the fish"?

Except the only ones that care about fish and fight for them are fisherman.  It's the same as hunters.  We all argue that hunting is good for wildlife.  By your logic, shouldn't we all stop hunting since it would be the safest for the wildlife?

Actually it's not. Hunting is a tool used to maintain the balance.

The balance only matters to hunters.  Critters would naturally cycle up and down like they did for hundreds or thousands of years prior to higher harvest rates.  If there were no hunters, nobody would care about the down periods. 

[87Ford]

Excellent write-up 7mmfan.  Thanks!

[huntnphool]

I find it odd also that many who argue against C&R in the first place seem to be the worst fish handlers.

 Avoiding handling altogether is safest for the fish.

Wouldn't not catching them in the first place actually be the "safest for the fish"?

Except the only ones that care about fish and fight for them are fisherman.  It's the same as hunters.  We all argue that hunting is good for wildlife.  By your logic, shouldn't we all stop hunting since it would be the safest for the wildlife?

Actually it's not. Hunting is a tool used to maintain the balance.

The balance only matters to hunters.  Critters would naturally cycle up and down like they did for hundreds or thousands of years prior to higher harvest rates.  If there were no hunters, nobody would care about the down periods.

Really? Try telling that to the cattle ranchers losing animals to wolves. Tell that to the Methow residents losing pets to cougars. Tell that to land owners losing fences, hay and alfalfa to elk and moose.....etc etc etc.

[WSU]

I find it odd also that many who argue against C&R in the first place seem to be the worst fish handlers.

 Avoiding handling altogether is safest for the fish.

Wouldn't not catching them in the first place actually be the "safest for the fish"?

Except the only ones that care about fish and fight for them are fisherman.  It's the same as hunters.  We all argue that hunting is good for wildlife.  By your logic, shouldn't we all stop hunting since it would be the safest for the wildlife?

Actually it's not. Hunting is a tool used to maintain the balance.

The balance only matters to hunters.  Critters would naturally cycle up and down like they did for hundreds or thousands of years prior to higher harvest rates.  If there were no hunters, nobody would care about the down periods.

Really? Try telling that to the cattle ranchers losing animals to wolves. Tell that to the Methow residents losing pets to cougars. Tell that to land owners losing fences, hay and alfalfa to elk and moose.....etc etc etc.

Do you think those people would stick up for wildlife like hunters do?  Seems to me they'd want to see them gone.  Aren't you making my point?

[TheHunt]

I find it odd also that many who argue against C&R in the first place seem to be the worst fish handlers.

 Avoiding handling altogether is safest for the fish.

Wouldn't not catching them in the first place actually be the "safest for the fish"?

Nice trolling going on here..

[huntnphool]

I find it odd also that many who argue against C&R in the first place seem to be the worst fish handlers.

 Avoiding handling altogether is safest for the fish.

Wouldn't not catching them in the first place actually be the "safest for the fish"?

Except the only ones that care about fish and fight for them are fisherman.  It's the same as hunters.  We all argue that hunting is good for wildlife.  By your logic, shouldn't we all stop hunting since it would be the safest for the wildlife?

Actually it's not. Hunting is a tool used to maintain the balance.

The balance only matters to hunters.  Critters would naturally cycle up and down like they did for hundreds or thousands of years prior to higher harvest rates.  If there were no hunters, nobody would care about the down periods.

Really? Try telling that to the cattle ranchers losing animals to wolves. Tell that to the Methow residents losing pets to cougars. Tell that to land owners losing fences, hay and alfalfa to elk and moose.....etc etc etc.

Do you think those people would stick up for wildlife like hunters do?  Seems to me they'd want to see them gone.  Aren't you making my point?

 I think I blew up your point. And back to the point at hand, what would be "best for the fish" is to not fish for them in the first place. Kind of hypocritical to post about your concern for these fish when you could do your part and not fish for them in the first place.

 Can anyone say for 100% certainty that the OP's fish he caught are not going to die? If eve one of those fish has potential of dying because it was caught then it's really a matter of semantics isn't it? What is the "acceptable" mortality at that point is what you all are arguing.

 So it's okay if a couple fish die as long as you did your best to let them go after you caught them.

[WSU]

My point was simple.  The only ones who truly care about fish and wildlife and fisherman and hunters.  They put their money where their mouth is and get involved.  The general public really doesn't.  If we get rid of fishing the fish will follow the same path.

I agree with you to a point.  Mortality associated with fishing is a tricky issue.

[huntnphool]

My point was simple.  The only ones who truly care about fish and wildlife and fisherman and hunters.  They put their money where their mouth is and get involved.  The general public really doesn't.  If we get rid of fishing the fish will follow the same path.

I agree with you to a point.  Mortality associated with fishing is a tricky issue.

I agree 100%

I was just pointing out that one can not justify any kind of C&R fishing if they truly are concerned for the survival of the fish.

[WSU]

My point was simple.  The only ones who truly care about fish and wildlife and fisherman and hunters.  They put their money where their mouth is and get involved.  The general public really doesn't.  If we get rid of fishing the fish will follow the same path.

I agree with you to a point.  Mortality associated with fishing is a tricky issue.

I agree 100%

I was just pointing out that one can not justify any kind of C&R fishing if they truly are concerned for the survival of the fish.

That's the tricky part.  We'll have to agree to disagree.

[7mmfan]

Please refer to the 2nd paragraph, 1st sentence of the initial post. This is meant to be educational for those of us that pursue fish in a catch and release fishery, please keep it that way.

I don't want to turn this into a rant, but would like to offer up some tips and advice from 20 years of catch and release fishing, and 10 years of guiding anglers.

[Bullkllr]

Yes, the "safest" thing for the fish would be to not fish for them in the first place.  But as you can see, bringing that up here opens the argument far beyond the original topic of proper fish handling.

Clearly I meant "safer".





 

[GEARHEAD]

The only problem with taking photos of fish is that they wiggle so damn much, a light bonk to the head settles them right down, and gets their mind right, before release.

[7mmfan]

The only problem with taking photos of fish is that they wiggle so damn much, a light bonk to the head settles them right down, and gets their mind right, before release.

Just a love tap right? Lets them know who's boss! 

[Bullkllr]

I let 'em swim around in the seat box until I get to the take-out so I can take my time and get real good pictures.

[7mmfan]

I remember a guide from way back in the day when my Dad and I were fishing the Skykomish during catch and release. He would beach every single fish he caught. Drag them 20 feet up into the sand and gravel and let them flop around. Once they stopped flopping he would tail them, go down to the river, rinse them off, take a photo, and throw them back. He said that was the only way to get good pictures because otherwise they flopped to much!

[7mmfan]

To go along with the edit I made about holding fish in the net, here is a photo of a large trout recovering in the net. While not a steelhead, the same principal applies. Upright, head into the current, fully submerged in the water.

[_TONY_]

 

Good thread!

[7mmfan]

Since we're on the cusp of our wild fish runs on the OP and the few that we will get to pursue in the P.S. rivers before they shut down, I thought this would be a good time to bring this back up. I have already seen this year some piss poor handling of wild fish on my locals rivers, hopefully this will help put some people in the right mindset before our fish return in earnest. Post some pictures of your properly handled and legally photographed steelhead here to keep the thread going!

Merry Christmas and happy hooking!

Heres a couple to get the blood pumping   THe last one was a great opportunistic shot of me right after a spry little 10# hen told me in no uncertain terms that she wasn't going to be phtographed. I was left with a face full of glacial water and loved every minute of it.

[7mmfan]

I know its been a while since this thread was active, but I've been seeing a resurgence of horrible fish handling photos online (mainly IWANTTOBEFAMOUSbook) recently. Luckily, none of them were here. Just      this guy up front to give people some food for thought and maybe a get some questions answered for guys new to the sport of catch and release steelhead fishing.

Theres been a lot of changes to our fishing opportunities the last couple of years. One way that we as anglers can take responsibility for the resources available to us, and ensure they are available for years to come, is to respect them and take care of them.

I'll be heading to the coastal rivers for a week of fishing at the end of this month, hopefully I can update the thread with some great photos.

[Dhoey07]

I know its been a while since this thread was active, but I've been seeing a resurgence of horrible fish handling photos online (mainly IWANTTOBEFAMOUSbook) recently. Luckily, none of them were here. Just      this guy up front to give people some food for thought and maybe a get some questions answered for guys new to the sport of catch and release steelhead fishing.

Theres been a lot of changes to our fishing opportunities the last couple of years. One way that we as anglers can take responsibility for the resources available to us, and ensure they are available for years to come, is to respect them and take care of them.

I'll be heading to the coastal rivers for a week of fishing at the end of this month, hopefully I can update the thread with some great photos.

It used to be my birthday tradition (March 10th) to head to forks and fish the Calawah and Sol Duc.  Kind of miss those trips.  Good luck to ya 

[7mmfan]

Can't think of a better date to have an annual birthday fishing trip, if you're a steelhead fisherman!