Something rarely discussed in fly fishing is planning ahead for what happens next when you hook a fish. With all the words written regarding casting technique and fly selection. little is mentioned pertaining to proactive steps for landing and releasing fish. And these days, you can throw photography into that quick sequence of events, too.
In the categories of landing, photographing, and releasing fish, it is important to have a plan. Not only will this lead to completing the process of catching more fish, it will lead to better pictures. Most importantly, it will lead to reducing fish mortality. You can never eliminate harming fish, but having a plan will certainly help you significantly mitigate that harm.
Here are 12 questions worth asking yourself as you plan on hooking a fish:
Have a plan for landing the fish.
- Where can you go? Sometimes we wade into a position where our casting position isn’t conducive to landing fish, let alone photography. If the water is too fast or too deep, know how you might take a few steps towards somewhere better with a fish on the line.
- Where can your rod go? Fishing along the bank or on a small stream, there is a chance that a hook set will put your rod tip in the trees. Being cognizant of your surroundings will help you avoid a tangle or, worse-case scenario, a snapped rod tip.
- Where are your forceps? Many fish can and should be released with a simple twist of the fly. If your fingers aren’t up for the job, forceps will usually do it. But they won’t be of use if they’re behind your back or buried in a pocket. Take advantage of most packs’ integrated forceps sleeves or simply clamp them to something on your front.
- Where is your net? Obviously, it is on your person in some way, shape, or form. But is it easy to grab? If grabbing your landing net adds a degree of difficulty to landing fish, consider ways to fix that (different location, attachment device, etc.).
Have a plan for photographing the fish.
- Is it necessary? It is only my opinion, but I think a strong case could be made for how unnecessary it is to take pictures of your 10th or 15th stocked rainbow.
- Is it feasible? A picture is worth 1,000 words. But is this picture worth all the little steps required to make it a good picture? This isn’t to say there aren’t fish deserving good photos. But is this fish worth it?
- Is your camera handy? This isn’t just about your camera being at hand. It is about you being handy with your camera. Can you swipe, tap, tap and then be on your way? Because too much fussing with settings and placement and all that is what really turns something nice into something ethically questionable.
- Is your picture going to be worth it? More about the fish’s health than your satisfaction, this question gets to the heart of catch and release. If the fight was long, unhooking took too much time, or you’re not ready to take a worthwhile picture, maybe just let it swim away.
Have a plan for releasing the fish.
- How can you get the hook out quickly? As mentioned above, be capable and competent in flicking a fly out of a fish’s mouth with finger or tool. For whatever it is worth: that fish counts as being caught.
- How can you keep it in the water? I am not dogmatic about a fish staying underwater 100% of the time. But more is better than less. A good net is the simplest tool that can help you keep a fish wet.
- How can you handle it as little as possible? Don’t grab the fish while you’re fiddling with your camera or digging for your release tool. Let it fin around in the net. Then when it comes time to do the job, do it quickly while holding the fish firmly without squeezing it.
- How can you ensure it swims away healthy? Assuming it isn’t actively fighting to get back into the water, take a moment to position the fish with it’s head facing upstream. Make sure the current is moving. Hold on loosely while it gets some water through it’s gills.
There are plenty more planning questions to consider, but these are a good start.
Want to hear more about these topics? Check out these recent podcast episodes: