For fly anglers across the UK and beyond, the joy of fishing isn’t solely about the catch. It's about connecting with nature, practising a craft, and, importantly, protecting the species we love. At Orvis, we believe responsible fish handling and ethical catch and release practices are at the heart of sustainable angling. Whether you're casting in the Scottish Highlands or a chalk stream in Hampshire, understanding how to handle and release fish responsibly ensures healthy waterways and thriving fish populations for generations to come.
Why Responsible Fish Handling Matters
Every fish you catch plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Mishandling fish can cause physical injuries, increase stress, and even lead to death—even if the fish swims away seemingly unharmed. As stewards of the water, anglers have a responsibility to minimise harm by using best practices in responsible fish handling and catch and release techniques.
Best Practices for Handling and Releasing Fish
1. Prepare Before You Catch
Before you even make your first cast, preparation is key:
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Use barbless hooks: These make unhooking quicker and reduce damage to the fish’s mouth.
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Choose appropriate tackle: Use gear that matches the size and species you're targeting. This helps land the fish quickly, reducing exhaustion.
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Keep landing gear ready: A knotless, rubber-coated net and forceps should be easily accessible.
2. Minimise Time Out of Water
Fish are extremely sensitive to being out of water. As a rule of thumb, if you can't hold your breath as long as the fish is out of water, it's too long.
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Unhook fish in the water when possible.
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Avoid prolonged photo sessions: Have your camera ready, lift the fish gently, take the shot, and return it to the water promptly.
3. Handle with Care
Proper handling is crucial to responsible fish handling:
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Wet your hands first: This protects the fish’s slime coating, which guards against infection.
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Support the fish: Use both hands—one near the head, one under the belly. Avoid squeezing.
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Never hold a fish by the gills or eyes: These areas are highly sensitive and can be easily damaged.
4. Use the Right Tools
The correct equipment can significantly reduce handling time and stress:
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Rubberised nets: These reduce scale and slime loss.
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Dehooking tools: Help remove hooks quickly and safely.
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Hemostats or forceps: Useful for deeper hook removal.
5. Revive Before Release
Before releasing, ensure the fish is strong enough to swim away on its own:
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Face the fish into the current: This helps oxygenate its gills.
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Support the fish gently: Hold it upright until it begins to swim off under its own power.
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Be patient: Especially after a long fight, revival may take a few minutes.
Additional Considerations for Catch and Release
Water Temperature Matters
Warm water holds less oxygen, which can stress fish further:
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Avoid fishing for cold-water species like trout during heatwaves or when water temperatures exceed 18°C.
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Fish during cooler parts of the day in summer months.
Species-Specific Guidelines
Different fish species require unique handling techniques:
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Salmon and sea trout: These species are particularly sensitive. Always keep them wet and handle as little as possible.
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Grayling: Known for their delicate fins—support these fish carefully and avoid touching the dorsal fin.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-meaning anglers can make errors. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:
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Using dry hands: This removes the protective slime layer.
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Letting fish flop on dry surfaces: It causes injury and stress.
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Lifting fish vertically by the jaw: This can dislocate their spine or break their jaw.
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Delayed releases: A fish should not be held out of water longer than absolutely necessary.
What Are the Best Practices for Handling and Releasing Fish to Minimise Harm?
To summarise, here are the top tips:
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Use barbless hooks and proper gear
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Keep fish in the water as much as possible
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Wet hands and support the fish properly
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Minimise handling time
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Revive fish thoroughly before release
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Avoid fishing in extreme heat
These simple, mindful steps can significantly reduce stress and injury to fish, making catch and release a powerful tool for conservation.
How to Educate Others on Responsible Fish Handling
Sharing knowledge is just as important as practising it. Help fellow anglers learn about responsible fish handling:
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Lead by example on the water.
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Offer gentle advice if you see poor practices.
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Share resources like Orvis articles, videos, and gear recommendations.
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Join local conservation clubs that promote ethical angling.
By fostering a community of informed and ethical anglers, we amplify our positive impact on the environment.
The Role of Conservation in Angling Culture
Conservation is more than a responsibility—it’s part of the soul of fly fishing. The most passionate anglers understand that healthy fish populations and clean rivers are essential to the future of the sport.
Support initiatives that:
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Protect habitats and restore damaged waterways.
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Monitor fish populations and water quality.
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Educate the public about the value of biodiversity.
Being involved in conservation efforts not only improves your fishing experiences but ensures the next generation of anglers can enjoy the same.
How Orvis Supports Responsible Angling
At Orvis, conservation is at our core. From supporting habitat restoration projects to designing gear that promotes fish welfare, we're committed to making fly fishing a force for good.
Our range of environmentally conscious fly fishing tackle, including barbless hooks, fish-friendly nets, and educational resources, reflects our dedication to responsible fish handling and catch and release practices.
We also partner with organisations across the UK and worldwide, such as the Wild Trout Trust and Atlantic Salmon Trust, to promote sustainable fisheries and protect endangered species.
Final Thoughts
Fly fishing is more than a pastime—it's a relationship with the natural world. Practising responsible fish handling and ethical catch and release ensures that this relationship remains respectful, sustainable, and deeply rewarding.
Whether you're a seasoned fly fisher or just learning to cast, your actions on the water make a difference. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to fish responsibly, and you'll be playing a vital part in conserving our rivers, lakes, and the magnificent fish within them.
To learn more about responsible angling and discover our range of fish-friendly tackle, explore the Orvis UK collection today.