Trout are great little fighters. Hauling in a big Brown Trout can sometimes feel like hauling in a monster carp, Rainbow trout will surprise with rod-bending runs and acrobatics. Given their active nature and their surprising strength many fishermen forget that they're dealing with an animal that is actually very fragile when removed from its environment. These same anglers may go on to release a trout and feel satisfied with a job well done; never see the poor fish die later from mishandling or oxygen deprivation. With a few simple precautions and techniques, however, this need never happen.
Properly handling a trout begins before your bait ever touches its lips. One of the first things an angler can do to protect trout is to de-barb his hooks. This is simply a matter of bending the barbs down with a pair of hemostats or fishing pliers. Barbs don't add appreciably to the ability to catch fish, but do add to the damage of removal. As a matter of fact, you may actually see your catch rates go up as setting the hook becomes easier. Armed with de-barbed hooks you're ready to go to the next step and learn how to properly land a trout.
Bring the trout to shore or to your hip (if wading) without removing it from the water. One thing to avoid is dangling the trout from your line in mid-air. This can damage the fish and cause it stress from which it may not recover. Instead, land the fish with a net designed for trout. If you must land it by hand cradle one hand underneath the trout and stabilize it with the other. Remove the hook carefully, use hemostats if necessary. If the hook just wont come out then clip it off and let the trout go with it, he'll get rid of it eventually.
Finally, try not to keep the trout out of the water for more than 45 to 50 seconds. Remember that the trout is delicate, its skin is covered with a thin "film" that protects it from injury and should not be abrased. When you place him back revive him by cradling the trout in the water with your cupped hand. Hold the tail with your other hand and move it (the trout) back and forth in the water. When the fish kicks free with a strong motion you'll know it's revived...don't let it go to soon to roll on it's back and drown. If you learn to do this correctly don not be surprised to run into the same fish several times over the coming years.
Some streams are stocked and taking the fish for your table is actually encouraged. It's important to know the applicable regulations for your favorite stream or lake. If you're fishing a catch and release only stream then these simple guidelines should guarantee you and your fellow anglers a healthy supply of trout every time you go fishing. As always, leave no trace and if you see litter pick it up.
Jeffrey Gray, founder of TroutWorld.com, has been helping trout fishermen find their way to new and different fishing venues via the internet since 1999.
www.troutworld.com -- bringing you great deals on gear, trout fishing news, tips, tricks and a world of information.
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