The body covering of
the fish is quite different from that of mammals, it is made up
of living cells as
far as the outermost layer. There is a coating of slime over-all,
which forms a wall against
disease and parasite attack, reduces friction, an aids in making
the fish water tight, for without it liquids would move through
the body wall uncontrollably and
disease would attack the fish and lead to its sure death. So if you have to
handle a fish,
wet your hands first and try not to get in touch with the gills,
slide
off the slime or put pressure on the main body of the fish.
Gently grab the tail and cup the belly
to get a quick photo
and return the catch to the water. Be sure to release the fish when
you feel it is strong enough to let go and swim safely
away.
No matter how careful we are we will all kill a percentage
of the fish we catch and release.
So try not to keep the
fish out of its environment too long. Sometimes I hold my breath
when I take a fish from the water and do not breath
until I return it to the water.
So you must be gentle but swift.
Also try to use barbless hooks to make removing
the hook from
the fish a quick and easy task.
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