Proper way to release big fish.

[EBass]

I was pondering my muskie pic and thought about how I released her.

Is is better to move the fish from side to side or up and down? (did that make sense?)

Just courious as how to release the next big fish.

Thanks,
EBass

[united jigsticker]

Slowly back and forth, so the water is gently pushed into the gills.

This will help the fish get some energy back and quickly re-coup.

Also, it is a good idea to have your hands wet if handling for a photo so the slime isn't affected as much, and if possible not remove the fish from the water and not net it if planned to release without a photo.

Good luck and good fishing

[traveler]

Hold them by the bill and motor forward until you get a good tail kick, then let 'er go. You did say BIG fish, right?

[EBass]

I never use a net. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad thing. I try to remember to get my hands wet. More often my hands are wet.

Basically after the hook is out and the pic is taken, when they are back in the water and lethargic I heard to move them from side to side. Mimic swimming motion rather than forward and back. But I grew up on forward and back.

I wait till they gave a good tail whap them let em go.

Thanks for the replies.

[simplefish]

What I usually do when I can is to use one of those nets with the 2 long poles on either side. I just scoop them up. they seem to relax better this way. Keep them in the water until the hook is out, and your ready for your close-up. Then quickly and gently bring them up, and take a shot or two. Put them back in the water and bring them forward and backword while wagging the tail a little. Trolling the boat forward/ backward helps. Let go when he looks ready to swim away. The most important thing I've found is too play him quick. That way he's not too tired and will give you a "wave" goodbye.