A Practical and Science Based Guide to Protecting Fish During Catch and Release
Catch and release only works when fish survive and recover after release. Anglers often focus on gear, technique, and presentation, but the most important variable is how we handle fish once they are hooked. The Keep Fish Wet principles are grounded in fisheries science and provide simple steps that significantly improve survival rates.
Rising supports these principles because they align with our core belief. Slow down, respect the fish, and make decisions that protect the waters that give us meaning.
Below is a practical breakdown of the three primary Keep Fish Wet principles and the specific actions that support them.
Principle 1. Minimize Air Exposure
Fish are built to breathe in water. When they leave the water, gills collapse, oxygen exchange drops, and stress spikes rapidly.
Why it matters
• Even a ten second air exposure increases stress hormone levels.
• Gill tissue begins to collapse almost immediately in air.
• Slime coat dries within seconds and becomes vulnerable to abrasion.
How to apply it
• Keep the fish in the water while unhooking.
• Take photos with the fish partially submerged.
• Avoid repeated lifting and lowering for multiple photos.
• If the fish slips, do not re stage the shot. Release it.
The simplest rule is also the most effective. If the fish is breathing, it should be in the water.
Principle 2. Minimize Handling
Handling causes two primary types of harm. Loss of the slime coat and compression of internal organs. Fish do not have ribs that protect the midsection the way mammals do. Squeezing causes more harm than anglers realize.
Why it matters
• The slime coat protects against infection and regulates salt and water balance.
• Dry hands or gloves remove the mucous layer.
• Pressure on the midsection can damage soft tissues and reduce swimming ability.
How to apply it
• Wet your hands before touching the fish.
• Avoid gripping the fish around the midsection.
• Leave the fish in the net while removing the hook.
• Use a rubber net bag to reduce abrasion and tangling.
• If possible, do not lift the fish at all. Handle the net, not the fish.
Minimizing handling does not limit the experience. It simply shifts the focus to being present in the moment instead of staging it.
Principle 3. Reduce Fight Time
A long fight exhausts fish and builds lactic acid that slows recovery. Exhausted fish are more vulnerable to predation, less efficient swimmers, and less likely to re establish normal behavior after release.
Why it matters
• Prolonged exertion increases mortality risk in water temperatures above 60 degrees.
• Lactic acid buildup impairs equilibrium and swimming recovery.
• Quickly landed fish recover faster and avoid downstream predators.
How to apply it
• Use tippet that matches the size of the fish and water conditions.
• Apply steady, intentional pressure during the fight.
• Use a net with an appropriate handle length for the environment.
• Net the fish as soon as it is ready, not after extra passes or photos.
Reducing fight time is one of the most effective ways to protect fish in systems facing warm water and angling pressure.
Bonus Practices that Support All Three Principles
Fish With Awareness
Monitor water temperature. Avoid fishing cold water species when temperatures are above safe thresholds.
Respect the Limits of High Traffic Fisheries
Pressured fish experience compounded stress. Gentle handling helps maintain fish quality throughout the season.
Think Ahead
Have tools ready. Pliers, hemostats, and nets should be accessible before the fish is landed.
Why Rising Supports Keep Fish Wet
Rising was built around the idea that fishing is about more than catching fish. It is about finding meaning in wild places, moving with intention, and treating fish with the respect they deserve.
Our nets support these principles naturally.
• Rubber net bags protect the slime coat.
• Deep bag geometry lets fish rest while you unhook them.
• Rigid hoops and proper handle length allow quick, safe landings.
• Replaceable components extend the life of the gear and reduce waste.
Better gear helps anglers make better choices.
Final Thought
Keeping fish wet is a simple practice, but its impact is significant. When anglers commit to minimizing air exposure, minimizing handling, and reducing fight time, the fish we release swim off stronger, recover faster, and continue to thrive in the waters we love.
Stewardship is built through small decisions. This is one of the most important.
You can learn more at keepfishwet.org
