We sometimes use affiliate links in our content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This won't cost you anything but it helps to offset the costs of paying our writing team (Me) Thanks for your support!

How To Hold Fish Correctly  (Freshwater) – An Ultimate Guide!

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting, handling fish can be tricky. Different species require different techniques and equipment, and it’s essential to know how to hold fish correctly to ensure their survival and well-being.

The fact is, taking fish out of the water and releasing them can be dangerous if you need to learn how to handle them. Even if a fish appears to swim away unharmed, improperly holding can traumatize and even injure it, making it less likely to survive after its release.

Hence, if you’re tired of struggling to handle different types of fish and want to know how to care for them properly? This comprehensive guide is perfect for you. It is specially designed to make it easy for you to understand and apply the information, so you can start handling fish like a pro in no time. With all the tips and tricks you’ll need to handle fish properly and the different types of fish handling, it’ll cover it all.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

How To Hold Different Species

Imagine being able to confidently handle any fish you catch, knowing that you’re taking the best possible care of them. Actually, not all fish are created equally, which means you’ll hold each of them differently than others.

Bass

Most people believe bass is a resilient fish that can be handled anyway. For some small basses, this can be true, despite the fact that their physical characteristics place a great deal of their weight in the middle of their body.

When holding a bass, make sure the lower jaw is vertical and upright. By doing so, you will be able to remove the hook quickly and keep the fish’s spine straight. If handling a giant bass, support its weight by placing your hand under its belly. In this way, the fish will be protected from injury.

You can support the fish’s weight by holding the belly and cradling it with your hand if you want a horizontal presentation. Once you’ve finished handling the fish, release it back into the water as quickly as possible and hold the fish in the water until it swims away on its own.

By following these tips, you can ensure that the bass you catch is handled in the most humane and responsible way possible, minimizing stress and injury and giving the fish the best chance of survival.

Walleye

With sharp piercing teeth and very pointed dorsal fins, walleye are heavily armored fish. Handling them requires a different approach than handling other fish. You should always keep your hands away from the gill plate to prevent any damage to the gills, similar to humans’ lungs.

When handling Walleye fish, it is essential to pay attention to the size of the fish and adjust your handling technique accordingly. For smaller Walleye, under 22 inches, the best way to hold the fish is by firmly grasping behind the gill plates from above the head, using the palm of your hand to keep the dorsal fin folded in.

This position allows for the safe removal of hooks and reduces contact with the fish. For larger trophy-sized Walleye, it is recommended to use a net to land the fish.

However, in contrast to the smaller walleye, you should handle these big fish by the tail to maintain a robust and secure grip on the fish.

In order to keep the fish stable, place your other hand underneath the belly directly behind the pectoral fins and put enough pressure on it to keep the fish regular. Always keep in mind, when handling or releasing a larger fish, to keep it horizontal in order for its survival.

Northern Pike/Muskellunge 

The Northern Pikes and Muskellunge are the top predators in freshwater food chains, known for their rows of razor-sharp teeth and powerful, damaging bites. Their streamlined body structure allows them to swim away quickly and take off with a strong tail kick. These fish can vary significantly in size, with some weighing as little as 1 pound and others reaching up to 40 pounds.

Handling Northern Pike and Muskellunge requires a similar approach to managing Walleye fish. For smaller fish, removing hooks is recommended by grasping them above the head and behind the gill plate before releasing them back into the water. Regarding larger fish, take extra care and precautions. Once the fish is in the net, wait until it’s calm and the stress of the fight has worn off before handling it.

When it comes to removing the hooks, approach the fish with care. If the clips are deeply embedded, don’t hesitate to cut them off and leave them in the fish. After removing the hooks, it’s crucial to handle the fish correctly.

Place your hands underneath the gill plate, but avoid touching the gills themselves. When lifting the fish out of the water, make sure to support its belly and avoid holding it vertically immediately. This stress on the internal organs can cause displacement, leading to a slow and painful death for the fish.

Trout (Lake, Speckled, Rainbow & Steelhead)

Most anglers highly value trout as a top-notch fish. These species are known for their smooth skin, which lacks the protection scales can provide. Hence, it is essential to handle trout with great care and respect. When holding trout, it is preferred to use a wet surface, whether a net, hands, or gloves, to help keep the protective coating intact.

A firm grip behind the gill plate is generally enough to handle the smaller fish effectively. However, the larger fish should be tailed with a glove for added grip, followed by the supporting hand underneath the pectoral fins. In fact, it’s essential to avoid all contact with the gill plate if possible, as this can cause damage to the fish’s gills, making it difficult for them to breathe and survive.

Pro Tips To Know Before Holding A Fish

Here are some tips that can help you when holding a fish.

1. Get your hands wet before handling the fish

To avoid damaging the moist protective layer of mucus that coats most fish, minimize contact and keep your hands or gloves wet when handling the fish. Wet your gloves in the water before handling the fish if you are using gloves.

2. Keep the fish underwater if possible

Removing a fish from the water can cause stress and harm to it. To maximize the chances of survival when releasing a fish, keeping it in the water while removing the hook is ideal. If it is necessary to raise the fish out of the water to remove the hook, try to keep it as close to the water as possible to minimize stress.

3. Hold your breath while you have the fish out of the water

When you have the fish out of the water, hold your breath. By doing this, you will be able to determine how long the fish can be kept out of the water without harm. Though this isn’t a perfect measurement, it can be a handy way to keep track of time and ensure that the fish doesn’t suffocate before returning to the water.

However, take note of the time and make sure the fish is not out of the water longer than 90 seconds.

4. Hold the fish horizontally with your hand behind the gill plate

A secure grip on the fish can be achieved by placing your fingers behind the gill plate or the flaps on either side of the fish’s head. However, it is crucial to be cautious and avoid touching or inserting your fingers in the fish’s gills, as they are fragile organs vital for the fish’s survival.

5. Support larger fish with both hands

When handling a large fish, it’s best to use two hands to distribute the weight and prevent damage to the bones or internal organs. Holding a big fish with one hand can put excessive pressure on its jaw or gill plate, which can be dangerous. One hand should be positioned behind the gill plate, while the other should be placed under its belly for proper support.

6. Use pliers to remove the hook

Removing a hook from a fish’s mouth is best done using pliers, as it is generally safer for the person handling the fish if the fish has teeth, and it can be more precise and efficient than doing it by hand. Beyond that, hold the hook by where it connects to the line and rotate it gently so that the end of the hook comes out.

That’s A Wrap

Different species require different handling techniques. Knowing how to handle them properly can ensure their survival and well-being. The most important thing to remember is to keep the fish in the water until you’re ready to release it.

I hope now you’ve learned how to handle different types of fish, as well as what techniques are best for them. Using these tips, you can ensure that your fish are adequately managed and released so they have a better chance at survival. Knowing how to handle different fish species, you can enjoy the great outdoors even more.

If you’ve any queries related to this article or you have any suggestions make sure to drop a comment below. Thanks For Reading this guide! As Always

Tight Lines

Tony, Creator of Get Reel Fishin