Although we are prohibited from catching flounder most of the year and trout early in the year due to cold-stun regulations, it doesn’t mean that we won’t hook up with them while we are out fishing for other species. Often, we are also faced with releasing fish that are too short or even too long. And if we are extremely lucky, we may catch a fish that exceeds our bag limit – wouldn’t that be nice!

Unfortunately, many uninformed anglers manhandle a catch before carelessly tossing it back into the water. That’s wasteful! To truly give the fish a fighting chance, take the time to learn and use the proper catch-photo-release method, or as it is commonly called, the CPR method

After years of research, conservationists have developed the best method to release a fish. Follow these rules for a safe and effective release.

1. WORK FAST

Returning the fish to the water as quickly as possible is key to increasing survival. The fish’s slime coat protects it from parasites. If you have to handle a fish, wet your hands first. A rubber-coated landing net protects the fish’s slime and prevents tangled lures and lines.

• WET YOUR HANDS AND KEEP FISH HORIZONTAL

Ideally, keep the fish in the water. If lifting the fish, do not hang it vertically by the jaw. Fish swim horizontally; hanging vertically strains the fish’s organs. Support the weight.

• TAKE THE PHOTO OP QUICKLY

It is best to take a photo of the fish without removing from the water, but if you do need to support your bragging rights or need to verify the catch for the fishing tournament, have your camera, bump board or other measurement device handy.

• HOOKS

Use circle hooks or barbless hooks.  Circle hooks are designed to stick in the jaw greater than 90 percent of the time. Not only does this reduce foul or deep hooking, but circle hooks are easier to remove. No need to rear back and set the hook. Simply apply drag pressure and the hook finds its place.

• USE DEHOOKING TOOLS

Use the right tool. Most anglers use pliers to remove a hook, but a special tool, called a dehooker, removes the hook without touching the fish.

• EVEN RELEASE INJURED FISH

Return an injured fish to the water, even if it likely won’t survive. A bleeding or deep-hooked fish still has a better chance of recovering in the water than on the frying pan. Even if it doesn’t survive, the fish could benefit other wildlife. An added bonus is that you won’t get cited for having an illegal fish.

• REVIVE TIRED FISH

A common mistake is rocking the fish back and forth to force water over the gills. Fish don’t swim backwards. Instead, move the fish in a figure-8 pattern or walk it along the bank.

• CUT OFF DEEP SET HOOKS

If the hook is too deep to retrieve, cut the line as short as possible. Especially important for toothy fish. Yanking the hook or aggressively removing it can cause injury. Most hooks rust quickly. Barbless hooks can often be disgorged.

In order to maintain our fisheries in as good a condition as possible, released fish need to be returned to the water in as safe and healthy condition as possible.