Use a Dehooker
Dehook fish fast and with less handling. If a hook is deeply swallowed and cannot be removed easily, cut the line close to the hook instead of causing more damage.
🐟 More Fish Florida • Better Release Habits
Keep More Fish Alive After Release
Small changes by anglers can make a big difference. Better handling, quicker releases, and the right tools help more snook, trout, and redfish survive to spawn again.
Wet Hands
Help protect the fish’s slime coat
Less Air
Shorter air exposure means less stress
Right Gear
Dehookers and rubber nets reduce damage
Quick Release
Healthy fish today means more fish tomorrow
Quick Survival Checklist
Have these habits ready before the fish ever leaves the water.
Wet Your Hands
Dry hands can damage the protective slime layer that helps fish resist infection.
Plan the Photo First
Get your camera and tools ready before lifting the fish so it spends less time out of water.
Short Air Time
Keep air exposure as short as possible and return the fish quickly and gently.
Revive if Needed
Let tired fish recover upright in the water before release, moving them gently if necessary.
Better Release Habits That Save Fish
These simple practices reduce handling damage, stress, and post-release mortality.
Use the Right Net
Rubber-coated knotless nets are easier on fish and protect their slime coat better than rough knotted nets. Skip the gaff on fish you plan to release.
Keep Fish Wet
Keep fish in the water whenever possible. For quick photos, lift only briefly, support the body, and return the fish fast.
Support the Fish Properly
Hold fish horizontally when needed and support the belly. Avoid hanging larger fish straight down by the jaw, which can injure them.
Use Fish-Friendly Tackle
Circle hooks and barbless or flattened-barb hooks can make release easier and reduce deep-hooking.
Release Fish Strong
Place fish back in the water gently, head first. If it is tired, hold it upright and let water pass over the gills until it kicks away on its own.
Do This • Avoid This
The little details matter. These are the habits that help fish survive after release.
✅ Best Practices
- ✓Have your dehooker, camera, and measuring board ready before lifting the fish.
- ✓Handle fish as little as possible and only with wet hands.
- ✓Keep fish in the water whenever possible during dehooking.
- ✓Use rubber-coated knotless nets and fish-friendly hooks.
- ✓Support larger fish horizontally instead of letting them hang vertically.
- ✓Revive tired fish gently and release them only when they are strong enough to swim away.
⚠️ Avoid These Mistakes
- !Do not drag fish onto hot decks, sand, docks, or rough surfaces.
- !Do not use rough knotted nets or a gaff on fish you intend to release.
- !Do not squeeze the body, touch the eyes, or put fingers in the gills.
- !Do not keep fish out of the water longer than necessary for photos or measurements.
- !Do not yank on deeply embedded hooks. Cut the line if removal is not easy.
- !Do not toss fish back carelessly. Return them gently and upright.
Healthy Releases Help Build Better Fisheries
Better handling is one part of the solution. Smarter regulations, better habitat, better water quality, and responsible release practices all work together to create more fish for the future.
More Spawners
Better Survival
Better Fishing
Stronger Florida
Catch and release done right gives more fish a chance to spawn again.