(handling and returning)

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It is essential to know how to handle fish causing them the minimum of distress. Particularly if you are fishing for the specimens then it is important you consider the following:

• At the Manderson Trust barbed hooks ARE NOT PERMITTED. Please only use true barbless hooks. This means that micro-barbs, pinched barbs, or filed down barbs are NOT permitted.

• Knotless mesh nets - knotted nets will remove the fishes’ protective slime.

• Landing mat and weighing sling (kept wet before and during use).

• Forceps for taking out hooks.

• Some antiseptic for wounds caused by the hook.

• Bottle of water to ensure the landing mat and your hands are kept wet - warm hands cause heat stroke, damaging fish's sensory organs.

• Try to keep to a minimum the amount of time the fish is kept out of water – ensure your camera, weighing sling and your scales are close to hand and prepared.

When handling the fish holding it upside down causes them to struggle less. Struggling fish will easily jump out of your hands, or from your landing mat and get damaged. With this in mind it is also wise not to stand whilst holding a fish and try to keep as low to the ground as possible. Hold them gently, but firmly, away from gills and eyes (sensitive areas).

When returning them, hold them facing upstream (if in a river) and help them to get oxygen flowing over their gills by nudging them forwards and backwards in the water.

Please remember to take care of your catches, taking your time to return them to the water.

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