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How to Handle a Bonefish

Posted on October 15 2010

Hands off if possible.  Photo: Louis Cahill
Hands off if possible. Photo: Louis Cahill

If you’re fishing for bonefish somewhere like South Andros Island, you’re going to catch a lot of them.  Yes, we all want to get a few hero shots, and that’s OK, as long as you treat the fish well in the process.

But what about all those other ones?  You know, those fish that you were very fortunate to catch, but that you’re content to just send on their merry way.  What’s the best way to let those fish go?

Simple – don’t handle them at all.  Keep the fish in the water.  Don’t touch the fish – just grab your fly, pop it out (it’s barbless, right?), and let him swim.

Bonefish and Tarpon Trust produced a nice little video that helps drive the point home.  Have a look.

NOTE: If you’re viewing this in a newsletter or a reader, click here to see a bonefish being cleanly released on YouTube.

More on Treating Fish Right

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