This 2 kg rainbow trout did not survive the catch.

One of the most frequent causes of fatalities among trout or for that matter any fish, is catch and release, mostly called C.A.R., done in a wrong or careless way. Therefore we thought it apt to also publish here the basic rules of C.A.R. :

1. Remove the hook whilst the fish is still in the water.

2. If you have to take the fish out of the water, wet your hands thoroughly before touching it. Do not wear gloves. Do not throw the fish back into the water, and most importantly, put  it back as quickly as possible.

3. Photographs are regular fish killers. Ask whoever is going to photograph your trophy to be ready when you lift the fish out of the water, and to adjust his exposure settings beforehand allowing you to put the fish back as quickly as possible.

4. Always hold the fish properly. The most sturdy part of a fish is towards its tail. Do not use the other hand to support the fish behind the gills. Most of a fish’s sensitive organs are located directly behind the gills. Therefore, support the fish by placing your hand under its chin, if necessary.

5. Never squeese the fish behind the gills or on the stomach. This will cause internal damage to heart, lungs or liver, probably all three, and will most likely kill it.

6. Prior to releasing, always ensure that the natural pH balance of the fish has been restored. This is done by firmly holding the fish by the neck of its tail in the water, assuring that it remains in the upright position, and gently holding in into the current. Do not move it back and forth as this will be detrimental to the fish’s gills and will most likely lessen its chances of survival. Hold it this position until it swims away of its own free will. Even a stressed out fish might try to break free initially but you will soon be able to tell the difference between the struggles of a revived fish as opposed to a stressed out fish’s natural instinct to break free.

7. With big fish lifting the fish out of the water by the tail  will injure its spine. Try to avoid this.

8. Use barbless flies.

9. Do not play the fish for an unnecessary long time.

(By courtesy The Complete Fly Fisherman Magazine)

GOOD LUCK

The  slideshow  of a rainbow that swam away after release, will demonstrate some of these steps :