Don’t be a Fish Bully

When you catch a fish, big or little, and you want to release them, throw your catch back easily. Some people think that it’s funny when they throw them high in the air to see them flip and twist. But as a fish out of water, they are already under enough stress as it is.

To properly release a fish, place them about ankle deep in the water and then let them swim away. Use a little care with these wonderfully fun creatures. If they are having difficulty swimming or look lethargic, then gently rock them back and forth by holding their tail, making water pass through their gills giving them oxygen.

When they are strong enough, they will pull away sometimes splashing you as they race to safer water. Fish like catfish are a little bit tougher than other fish and they do not need this help. The harder and longer the fish fights (like blue gill, crappie or largemouth basswill) the more they will need your help to recover.