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Step 1
Do not wade into a stream or river. By getting your legs and clothes wet, you'll be increasing your risk for hypothermia. Instead, find a shady bank hanging over a portion of deep, slow-moving water, stick your arm in, bicep-deep, and try to remain still.
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Step 2
Do not reach out for fish. The goal is to acclimate the temperature in your arm to the temperature of the water. Fish will not approach something radiating heat. This process should take between 10-30 minutes, depending on the water temperature. Remember to keep your arm as still as possible. When your arm has sufficiently cooled, fish will have a tough time differentiating between your arm, rocks and other foreign objects in the water.
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Step 3
Try to "fish tickle." This practice is often used to catch catfish in the southeast United States. The technique requires you to wait for a fish to come near you, then lightly "tickle" its underbelly, which will lull the fish into complacency. You can also wiggle your fingers slowly --- after they've cooled --- because this motion mimics food for the fish.
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Step 4
Toss the fish out of the water. Grabbing the fish by the torso and tail will leave you without dinner. The fish is far too slippery to be manhandled out. Instead, wait for it to swim over your hand, cup your fingers underneath its body, and in one quick motion catapult the fish out of the water and onto the bank.
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Step 5
Try a different method. You can also try to grab the fish under the gills where there is cartilage and bone --- both of which make for an easier grabbing surface.
