Play and land the fish quickly. A prolonged struggle places too much stress on a fish and causes a build-up of harmful lactic acids, which can kill the fish after it is released. Handle the fish gently and keep it in the water as much as possible. If possible, unhook the fish without lifting it from the water. Don t drop the fish in the boat.
Fish bruise easily, and the damage to their internal organs can be fatal.
When lifting fish for a photograph or just to admire it, don t hold it by the eye sockets or gills. You can damage the internal organs of fish, especially larger ones, by lifting them from the water. Use both hands to evenly support the fish s weight. Use a pliers to remove hooks. If a hook is deeply imbedded, cut the line.