How to Revive a Fish

Fly fishing is a sport of catch and release. The goal is to catch the fish then release it back into the water for future fly fisherman to catch, therefore protecting the fish from extinction. When you release the fish you need to revive it beforehand or it will die quickly. Follow these steps to learn how to revive a fish when you go fishing.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Remove the hook from the fish by holding it upside down under calm water. Use hemostats to remove the hook gently without harming the fish.

2. Watch the fish pump water through his gills while it is still in the net. If the pumping action isn't strong, remove the fish from the net and glide it through the water back and forth until it strengthens.

3. Guide the fish through the water in a swimming motion if you still weren't able to revive him. This will help the water to flow through his gills to help revive him.

4. Hold the fish under the water facing the current. Make sure his mouth is wide open to allow the water to flow through his gills.

5. Place the fish over the bubbles of an air stone if you have one available. This will force water into his gills and revive him so he can swim away to be caught another day.

Tips & Warnings

• Handle the fish as little as possible. Make sure to wet your hands first when attempting to revive the fish. Fish may develop a fungus where they were touched because the protective slime is removed.

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