Florida Fish Release Guide
I have three basic guidelines that I try to remember when releasing a fish. First off is to set the hook quickly and try to prevent the fish from swallowing your hook. This can not always be accomplished but can help the odds of the fish living.
Secondly, I recommend always having hook removal tool on your fishing boat. Most of the time if you can’t get the hook out without injuring or killing the fish, leaving the hook in is the best option, But it is best to leave the hook in if that is not possible. With the dehooking tools available now you should always be able to get the hook out of the fish. Last is that I always try to handle the fish as less as possible. Try to grab fish by the lip (considering teeth of course).
