RE: [VFB] a question of catch and release

[Terry and Colleen Bodman]

A majority of the fishing around here (British Columbia) is catch and release. Hooks in many areas are to be barbless, which helps prevent injury..the secret, in my opinion, is to realize that fish become quite exhasted during the fight and you have to be careful that it will survive. I just hold the fish gently, let it rest on its belly under water in my hand, while i move it gently back and forth forcing water through its gills. It will suddenly "become alive" and take off with great strength....to be caught again another day, hopefully by me. Forceps are a good idea but needle nose pliers work well, too. I use needle nose pliers for removing hooks and for removing barbs on hooks to make them barbless. That way I can just carry one tool to do two jobs. Saves on the clutter. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Dan Crowe Sent: Thursday, June 06, 2002 10:28 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [VFB] a question of catch and release dittos to what Brian said. Here's a trick, though if you have to handle the fish. Make sure you wet your hands first, and then when you hold the fish, hold it upside down, belly up. They go calm when you do that for about 15 seconds. Also, always try to use the forceps to remove the hook. It is smoother, you get a better grip, and it should be easier on the fish. ----- Original Message ----- From: Angela and Zachary To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, June 05, 2002 12:56 PM Subject: [VFB] a question of catch and release To me a trout weather it is a rainbow, a brown, or the mythical brook trout, is THE most beautiful thing in the world. Fly fishing to me is to touch beauty and set it free, but it has come to my attention that there is a proper way with its own procedure in catch and release. I do however know that just yanking the hook out and tossing a trout into the water is not the procedure. but to save me writing a book would some one please give a step by step process of the proper way to catch and release?  I know there has to be more to it than what I know, and to insure that the fish survive so I can great her on a much larger day.   Thank you