Tips for anglers

Catch and release, preserve the resource, that’s the fashionable moto for today’s responsible anglers.  But are you really preserving the resource?  Did the fish survive after you released it?  You have a moral responsibility to insure that it does.  Here are a few tips to help you make sure that the big trout who just fought his hart out for you will be around to fight another day.  

* Don't overplay a fish. Like people, physical exertion can lead to a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles. An exhausted fish is going to be less able to maintain itself.

* Don't remove the fish from the water if you can avoid it. Don't use a net. Don't even touch the fish. Simply grab the artificial fly or lure and pop it out.

* If you're going to pose with your fish for a photograph, hold your breath. When you're out of breath, it's time to put the fish back in the water.

* If your fish has developed a thick coating of slime on its body, it could be an indication the fish is exhausted and should be revived before release. 

* When it comes to hooks, think small.

* Finally, when in doubt of a fish's ability to survive, keep it.