Tips & Techniques * *   Fisheries & Oceans Canada

A fish must be released if: fishing season for that species is closed. the fish is caught is a sanctuary area. it measures within any applicable size / slot limitation. catch limits for the species have been attained. the fish has been "foul hooked". Before catching any fish: select appropriate tackle so fish can be landed quickly. use easy-to-remove barbless hooks. remain alert to prevent hooking fish deeply. While catching the fish: play the fish quickly to minimize stress and exhaustion. be decisive - will it be kept or released ? use a rubber landing net or cradle when landing larger fish. do not keep fish for later release. take measurements & photos quickly.

While releasing the fish: keep the fish in the water which supports its weight. handle the fish as little as possible, protect the slime ! unhook the fish using a pair of long nosed pliers. if the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line. don’t squeeze, "hang" or roughly handle the fish. don’t handle a fish by the gills or the eyes. hold it upright in the water by the tail. Fish are unlikely to survive if: hooks pierce the eye, throat or gills. there is bleeding from the gills. brought up quickly from extreme depths. kept out of water for more than 20 seconds. handled roughly or thrash about the boat. released after being held on a stringer.