By Daryl Bauer, Fisheries Outreach Program Manager
Frequently, I blog about proper fish handling. Yeah sure, go ahead and tell me that you are keeping them, and it makes no difference. Thing is, you will not be keeping them all. Whether by regulation or choice, at least some of the fish you catch will be released. For the benefit of the fish and our fishing, catch and release needs to be done right.
That is even more true now that water temperatures are at their summer peak. I made some comments about summer fish handling in a Nebraskaland article a few years back (July 2018); they are still relevant and I am going to repeat them here:
Never let fish flop on the bottom of the boat or roll in the sand, dirt and leaves.
When you are ready to grip and grin for a quick photo, horizontal holds are best, use both hands!
Best fish-handling practices also applies to those fish you intend to keep for a tasty and nutritious meal of fresh fish. By far, the best way to handle fish you harvest anytime of year, but especially now, is to put ’em on ice!