It is popular among some trout anglers to practice voluntary catch-and-release fishing. If you desire to release a few trout, here are a few tips for successfully releasing trout. Remember, it's just fine to keep a few for the frying pan.
- Release trout immediately.
- Play and land trout quickly. Tired, stressed fish don't survive well when released.
- Handle trout gently, keeping it in the water as much as possible. Unhooking the trout without lifting it from the water is best.
- Remove hooks with needle-nosed pliers or forceps. Using barbless hooks makes releasing trout much easier.
- If a trout is hooked deeply, cut the line and release the fish. The hook will eventually dissolve, leaving the trout unharmed.