Often these fish are kelts recovering from the rigours of spawning – if handled carefully they have a good chance of surviving, regaining condition and becoming a worthwhile catch for another angler.
To maintain a sustainable trout resource and ensure enjoyable angling opportunities we need to manage the fishery carefully. That is why stringent bag and size limits are in place to control the annual trout harvest.
Releasing trout when fly fishing
Never kick a fish ashore or let it flap on the rocks or sand.
Always bring the fish carefully to the edge and unhook while it remains in the water.
Land the fish as quickly as possible so as not to exhaust and stress it.
If necessary use a knotless landing net to control the fish and remove the hook using long-nosed pliers or forceps.
Use barbless hooks. If possible leave the fish in the water and unhook it without touching it.
Note:- Making hooks into barbless hooks – squeeze the barb down with pliers