Big salmon deserve a quick, humane exit. Here’s a practical, step‑by‑step approach to releasing a big salmon safely and with minimal stress to the fish. 🎣
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Prep before you hook: Use a circle hook or barbless if regulations permit to reduce mouth damage. Have your de‑hooking tool, long‑nose pliers, and a soft, rubberized net ready. Keep your hands wet or wear a wet glove to protect the fish’s slime coat.
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Land with care: Keep the fish in the water as much as possible. If you must lift it, do it gently and quickly. A large, smooth net minimizes handling time and avoids stressing the fish’s fins.
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Handle the fish properly: Wet hands or gloves before touching the fish. Support the salmon horizontally: one hand underneath the belly near the pectoral fins and the other around the tail. Avoid squeezing, and never grab the gills or mouth by force. This preserves the protective slime and internal organs.
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De‑hook efficiently: Use your pliers or a de‑hooking tool to remove the hook with a minimal amount of trauma. If the hook is deeply embedded and the fish is strong, cutting the line and leaving the hook in place can be safer than forcing it out. Barbless hooks are a big help here. For instant visuals, check this quick guide: How to Handle and Release Fish Caught from a Pier.
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Revive before release: If the salmon is fatigued, hold it gently in the current or tail‑first in a calm water area to pump water over the gills. Move the fish back and forth slowly to encourage oxygen uptake. Once the tail begins to move or the fish shows strong, steady kicking, release by letting it swim away on its own. Never toss or throw—let nature do the rest.
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Watch for barotrauma (in deeper releases): Salmon caught in deep water can suffer from buoyant gas buildup. If you suspect barotrauma, prioritize keeping the fish in water and reviving it longer. Venting or specialized tools are advanced topics—when in doubt, follow local regulations and guidance, and prefer release in the water where the fish can recover.
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Minimize air exposure and handling time: Every extra second out of the water drains the salmon’s energy. Have your gear organized and practice your net approach so you can go from unhooking to reviving to release in under a minute.
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Respect the fish and the waterway: Handle with care, stay mindful of other anglers, and follow regulations on handling, gear, and release. A careful release keeps more fish in the system for the next trip and protects trophy populations.
If you want a quick visual, this video demonstrates proper release technique in action: How to Handle and Release Fish Caught from a Pier.
Stay patient, stay gentle, and keep sharpening your release game. You’ve got this, and your salmon will thank you with another great fight next season! 🐟👍
