Picking up a fish requires a gentle but firm approach to ensure safety for both you and the fish.
Standard Technique for Most Fish
According to best practices for handling fish, the common method involves supporting the fish adequately from underneath.
Hand Placement
- Underneath Support: Hold the fish from underneath just immediately behind the pectoral fins.
- Thumb and Fingers: Use your thumb one side fingers on the other.
- Throat Latch Support: Use your index finger to support the throat latch.
This method balances the fish and prevents damage to its internal organs or spine. It's crucial to keep the fish horizontal and avoid squeezing tightly.
Handling Larger Fish
For fish that are significantly larger or heavier, additional support is necessary.
Additional Grip
- Tail Grip: Larger fish might require gripping the tail as well.
- Combined Support: Combine the standard underneath support behind the pectoral fins with a firm but gentle grip on the tail wrist (the narrow part just before the tail fin).
This dual-point support distributes the weight and provides better control over the fish.
Summary of Techniques
Here's a quick comparison of the two main methods:
| Fish Size | Primary Hand Position | Additional Support | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Species | Underneath, behind pectoral fins (thumb & fingers) | Index finger on throat latch | Balances fish, supports internal structure |
| Larger Fish | Underneath, behind pectoral fins (thumb & fingers) | Tail grip | Distributes weight, provides control |
Always handle fish as quickly and gently as possible to minimize stress, especially if planning to release them.
