In most states there are times of the year when it is the law to release your catch. This protects the species from extinction as it's usually when they are due to spawn. However it's not much use releasing a worn out or damaged fish, because it isn't likely to survive the rigors of its environment. A fish must be healthy enough to fight off infections and quick enough to escape predators. So how can you ensure that your catch will survive once it is released?
The main thing is to land your fish quickly. This will prevent it from being so exhausted that it can't cope with life back in the wild. If you are using triple hooks, change to a single one. This will prevent excess damage to the fish should it swallow the hooks. If it has become 'gut-hooked', try to remove the hook using a pair of needle-nosed pliers. If it's impossible to remove the hook, cut off the line as short as possible and leave it in. Sometimes it will work out by itself and this will cause less damage than you would inflict in trying to remove it. Other times the fish can live with the hook still in.
The exception to quick landing is when a fish is caught in very deep water. A slow landing will enable the fish to adjust to the difference in pressure. If it is landed too quickly, the air bladder will inflate and the fish won't be able to swim back to the depths once released. If this happens, it is possible to prick the air bladder with a 12-guage hypodermic needle to release the air. If you don't have one, the tip of an ice pick can be used. Just try and keep the hole as small as possible so it will heal quickly. You may also have to massage the bladder to help the air escape.
Try to keep the fish in the water while removing the hook. If you let it thrash around it could damage itself or you. Fins are sharply spiked and can easily penetrate your hand. If you need to take the fish out of the water, handle it with a wet glove or wet towel to reduce damage. Never just throw a fish back; it should be held by the tail and faced into the current, until it can swim on its own. It may help to move the fish gently back and forth in the water. As soon as it feels strong enough, it will be off like a flash.
