Mike Kirkpatrick is a Kiwi guide and movie maker. He recently posted a brief video on YouTube on how to handle fish. Excellent drone footage of fighting the fish. Pretty good demonstrations of best practices. The only admission was no mention of the benefits of barbless hooks.

This is my take on the subject of handling trout and taking that precious photo or video that many of us like to have as a reminder of that special moment.

This isn’t based on anything other than my 40 years on the water here in New Zealand, where, as a guide, I’m expected often to take a quality photo for my client of what is often their largest trout ever. Please understand that this is a guideline only and if you pay attention to the trout in question, it may show signs of needing to released immediately – in which case you need to consider taking a picture in or under the water. Stress in fish (obvious to the trained eye) can show in colour change, excessive gasping or even bleeding. Please release these fish ASAP. Play them hard and they’ll swim away hard.

Kind regards, Mike.

Source: Canberra Anglers Association