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How to Handle Fish With Care
Edited by Harry Honda, Dvortygirl, Katy Linsao
Delicate fish must be handled with care. This article tells you how to handle all kinds of fish, whether fresh or salt water, so they will be still and not injure themselves.
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EditSteps
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1Use care not to damage the spine with larger fish. The spine is smaller and weaker close to the tail. Keep the body of your pet fish straight as possible after netting it.Ad
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2Urge the fish into the net, do not net it from the tail end.
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3After netting a fish, do not lift it out of the water unless you have a net that can support the entire body lengthwise. To keep the fish from thrashing too much, lift the it with the net and place your hand under the fish's belly. The fish will be completely still.
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4Use this same technique when fishing to keep your catch still while you are removing the hook. Some fish are very active or have sharp spines that can impale you and cradling the fish will be a great help for both the "catch and release" and "food on the table" fisherman.
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5Use this technique for fish up to five pounds.Ad
EditWarnings
- Do not let your pet fish jackknife in the net. It will increase the risk of breaking the spine, especially at the tail end. The purpose of cradling the fish under its belly is to support the fish and to keep it still.
EditSources and Citations
- Sports Afield magazine
