At PRFMA, we encourage all anglers to practise responsible fish handling to maximise the survival of released fish and help maintain a healthy fishery for future generations.
Handle Every Fish With Care
Fish have a protective slime coating that helps prevent infection and disease. Excessive handling, dry hands, rough surfaces and prolonged exposure to air can damage this coating and reduce the fish’s chances of survival.
When handling fish:
- Wet your hands or gloves before touching the fish.
- Support the fish’s body with one hand under the belly and the other around the tail wrist (caudal peduncle).
- Always support the fish’s weight and avoid dropping it.
- Keep fingers away from the fish’s eyes and gills.
- Minimise the amount of time the fish is out of the water.
Using Gloves
Wet gloves can provide a secure grip and help protect both fish and angler. However:
- Use gloves that are smooth and non-abrasive.
- Thoroughly wet gloves before handling fish.
- Avoid coarse materials that may remove the fish’s protective slime coating.
If gloves are unavailable, a clean wet towel or cloth can be used when necessary.
Taking Photos
Everyone enjoys capturing a memorable catch, but fish welfare should come first.
A good rule of thumb is:
If you can’t comfortably hold your breath for that long, the fish shouldn’t be out of the water for that long.
Aim to have cameras ready before lifting the fish from the water and return it promptly after taking your photo.
Correct Fish Support
Many freshwater species, including Australian Bass and Golden Perch, can be held by the lower jaw when required. However:
✅ Support the fish horizontally with a second hand under its belly.
❌ Never suspend a fish vertically by its jaw alone.
Supporting the fish horizontally helps prevent damage to the jaw, spine and internal organs.
Best Practices for Catch and Release
To give released fish the highest chance of survival:
- Minimise handling wherever possible.
- Keep the fish in the water while removing hooks when practical.
- Use wet hands or wet, smooth gloves.
- Support fish horizontally at all times.
- Place fish only on cool, wet and soft surfaces if they must be laid down.
- Use long-nose pliers or hook removal tools to reduce handling time.
- If using lip grips or fish grips, continue to support the fish’s body horizontally.
Releasing Your Fish
Before release:
- Ensure the fish has recovered sufficiently to swim away strongly.
- Hold the fish upright in the water if it appears tired.
- Gently move the fish forward through the water to pass water over the gills if required.
- Release the fish only when it is capable of swimming away under its own power.
Deep or Gut-Hooked Fish
If a fish is hooked deeply in the throat or gut:
- Do not attempt to force the hook out.
- Cut the line as close to the hook as possible and release the fish promptly.
Research has shown that many fish can successfully shed or encapsulate hooks left in place.
Our Responsibility
The quality of fishing at North Pine Dam depends on responsible catch and release practices. Every fish handled carefully today helps ensure healthy fish stocks and great fishing opportunities for years to come.
Respect the fish. Respect the fishery. Fish responsibly.
Author: Kevin Dickinson
