Landing and handling your catch

Handling your catch correctly involves minimising the amount of time the fish is out of the water and keeping it wet when it is landed.

This has benefits for both the fisher and the fish, as prolonged fight times will:

• exhaust the fish and reduce its chances of survival, if being released back into the water
• cause accumulation of lactic acid which affects the eating quality of its flesh.

Optimise your fishing skills and consider the wellbeing of captured fish using the below guidelines.

You can also learn to release fish correctly, which is critical for those affected by barotrauma.

Catching and landing fish

Planning ahead helps you reduce unnecessary fight time while fishing.

1. Be prepared before casting a line by:
   • having the required tools and equipment readily available, such as wet gloves and towel, a landing net, and pliers
   • choosing appropriate tackle for your target fish, such as a heavier line and gear for bigger species.
2. If you intend to release your catch:
   • do not remove the fish past its gills from the water, wherever possible
   • use a wet and cool surface for handling fish, if you need to remove the hook
   • avoid handling the fins or gills of the fish
   • do not use a gaff.
3. If removing fish from the water, support its body horizontally to prevent damage to internal organs. This can be done by:
   • using a knotless or silicone landing net to hold the weight of the fish when bringing it onto the vessel
   • avoiding knotted landing nets which remove protective slime and scales from the fish.

Measuring and weighing fish

If you need to record details of your catch, it is best to reduce stress for the fish by measuring it instead of weighing it. Take these steps:

1. Handle the fish with wet hands or gloves to preserve its protective mucus.
2. Place the fish on a wet ruler with a stopper on the end to rest against its nose.

If you must weigh your catch, use a sling to support the fish horizontally. This is achieved by weighing the fish in the landing net and then subtracting the weight of the net.

Do not use scales that hang the fish by the jaw as this can damage the jaw, gills, backbone and internal organs.

Dispatching fish

The most ethical way to dispatch a fish is by the iki jime cranial spike technique. This kills the fish immediately, which is considered best practice for animal welfare and doesn't ruin the flesh. Take these steps:

1. Spike the brain by quickly and firmly inserting a spiking tool or knife in the centre of the fish's head behind the eyes.
2. Bleed the fish by immersing it in an ice slurry.

Alternatively, place the fish on ice immediately after capture to naturally anaesthetise it. This will maintain the eating quality of the meat and reduce spoilage.