Proper catch and release techniques

[TerriMc223]

I do practice catch and release but I have to admit that I don't know what I'm doing. I mostly fish on Party Boats so it is a bit of a drop back to the water.
I want to do my part to help conserve our great fishery.

I would appreciate any advice as to how to safely return a fish back to the water.

[Rocky]

It all depends on how and what you are fishing for. If you are deep water fishing for sea bass you will need to vent them so they can return to the bottom. If you are striper fishing and plan on releasing them after a quick picture you need to handle them carefully. Fully support their body horizontally with both hands. As the water warms they may need to be revived to give them that extra gusto to swim away. Good luck.

[slammer]

When I fish on party boats I try to drop the fish back in head first so it doesn't do a belly flop.Small boats you can slide the fish back in.

[Capt. Debbie]

How do you release sea robbins and dog fish without ruining your hook? LOL