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Being able to unhook and return fish unharmed is an absolutely key skill for any angler. It’s been fantastic to see so many new and returning anglers getting out fishing in 2020 but sometimes inexperience can lead to fish care issues.

 

To help spread good practice, here are set of top tips to help everyone get it right, with every fish they catch. 

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Key Basic Principles.

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• Ensure you follow the Clubs Rules by having the correct sized Nets and unhooking mat with you on every fishing session and use the correct rigs..

• If you can safely do so, inspect and unhook fish in the landing net whilst still in the water.

• If you have to remove the fish to unhook, photograph etc, Leave the fish in the landing net in the water until you are setup.  Ensure ensure that your unhooking mat is wet before you place the fish on the mat. In the hot summer months make sure you douse the mat with ambient lake water immediately prior to placing the fish on the mat - Mats can get very hot when left in the sun for a short period of time and freezing in the Winter.

• Before handling the fish, if not already - wet your hands.

• When lifting the fish in the net and placing the fish on the Mat make sure that all fins especially the Pectoral Fins are flat against the fishes body.

• DO NOT HANDLE fish with a towel whether is wet or not!  Using a towel removes the protective mucus form the fishes scales and can lead to infection.

• If using a weigh sling - make sure it is wet & zero on your scales before placing the the fish in it.

• Remove any watches before attempting to lift the fish.

• When lifting the fish ensure that you protect the fishes fins especially the Pectoral Fins, place the pectoral fin in between you fore and index fingers. 

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• When posing for photographs do it whilst kneeling and not lifting any higher then your stomach height.  If you are unable to kneel then do not lift the fish above knee height.

• Weigh & Photograph the fish in the shortest possible time, if need be return the fish to the water in the landing net if your weighing/ photo set up is taking longer than expected.

• Please carry a fish care kit and use to treat any damage you see on the fish  e.g. Mouth and Scale damage.

• Return the fish in the landing net // weigh sling in your swim - DO NOT WALK to another swim to return the fish.

• For smaller fish such as Roach, Perch, Bream where a mat is not required the above principles are the same but put the fish back DO NOT Drop or chuck back in.

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Very Useful Fish Care Videos & Articles - make sure you view