Let’s be honest, the fight is where a lot of the fun comes in. Drag screaming runs, doubled-over rods—it’s what we live for, right? But while you’re enjoying that rush, it's important to keep in mind that the fish is fighting for its survival, triggering its stress hormones and filling its body with cortisol. As catch-and-release anglers, we know we’re going to #PutEmBack, but the fish doesn’t know that. So, while you’re having fun, be mindful not to overdo it. It’s tempting to drag the fight out, but the longer you keep the fish on the line, the more stressed it gets. You’ve got to find that sweet spot: enough drag to enjoy the fight, but not so loose that it prolongs the stress. Adjust your technique to keep it fun for you—and as gentle on the fish as possible.

Once the fish is at the boat, it’s time for the landing—this part is crucial. Whether you’re grabbing the fish by hand or using a net, it's important to be thoughtful. If you’re using your hands, be sure to wet them first. If you don’t, you’re introducing oils and bacteria that could easily rub off a fish’s slime coat—which protects them from disease and bacteria. When a fish’s slime coat is harmed, their chances of survival after release are seriously compromised. If you’re using a net, always opt for a rubber mesh. The old string nets are a no-go—they’re abrasive, and when the fish thrashes around, it can take off that protective slime. These days, there are tons of great rubber-mesh nets out there, so make sure you’re equipped before you hit the water.

Okay, now that you’ve got your fish safely landed, it’s picture time before you let it go. For smaller fish, try not to keep them out for longer than 30 seconds, and, for larger fish, it's best to just leave them in the water. Big fish rely on the buoyancy of the water to keep their organs in place, and when you bring them up, especially if you hold them vertically, it can mess with their internal organs and cause long-term damage. A good rule of thumb here is simple: if you can’t comfortably hold the fish, leave it in the water. And when you do have the fish out, keep it wet! Anything dry, like the deck of your boat, can rub off that essential slime coat and cause harm. So snap some pics to commemorate your catch, but remember this; the more careful you are, the better the fish will do once it’s back in the water.

When it’s time to release your catch, you don’t just want to toss it back in the water—reviving your fish is crucial. The best way to do it is to gently hold the fish in the water by its tail and move the fish back and forth. This allows water to flow over its gills and re-oxygenate its blood. Remember, don’t just wiggle the fish side to side—that’s not as effective as moving it forward and backward because it's not a natural motion. For certain species, like Jacks, Tunas, and some bottom fish, a quick head-first dive into the water is often the best method to give them a burst of oxygen and the momentum they need to keep going. Some fish need just a second or two to get back to full strength, but others might need a little more time, so be patient and make sure they swim off strong.

Big thank you to SCDNR and Wildlife Biologist Matt Perkins for taking the time to talk with us this week! We hope this article gave you a few helpful tips on how to handle fish properly! It’s an important skill to have as we work to keep our fisheries healthy and ensure that our catch will be around for generations to come.

Follow us on social media for more fish-handling tips, and be sure to share this with your fellow anglers. Remember, when you #PutEmBack, tag us and show us how you do it!