Fishing is a popular recreational activity that many people enjoy. Whether you're a seasoned angler exploring new waters in your pedal fishing kayak or just starting out with kayak fishing, it's important to know how to handle and release fish properly. Not only is it important for the fish's survival, but it's also a responsible way to preserve the species and their habitats. Here are some essential tips to help you handle and release fish properly:
Wet Your Hands First
Before handling the fish, it's important to wet your hands so that you don't remove any protective slime from the fish's skin. This slime is crucial to the fish's health and helps to protect it from disease and parasites. This is especially important when fishing from a kayak where you have limited space to work.
Use a Landing Net
When possible, use a landing net to remove the fish from the water. This helps to reduce the amount of time that the fish is out of the water and can also prevent damage to the fish's fins or scales. Many pedal drive kayaks offer the advantage of hands-free fishing, allowing you to operate your net more easily while maintaining your position.
Support the Fish Properly
When you're holding the fish, make sure to support its weight and hold it horizontally. Don't squeeze or grip too hard, as this can harm the fish and potentially kill it. The stable platform of a fishing kayak makes it easier to handle fish properly compared to standing on uneven shorelines.
Keep the Fish in Water When Possible
If you need to take a picture or examine the fish, try to keep it in the water as much as possible. If you need to take it out of the water, make sure to hold it as briefly as possible. The low profile of a sit-on-top fishing kayak puts you closer to the water, making this technique much more practical.
Remove Hooks Carefully
If the fish has been hooked, don't try to remove the hook with your bare hands. Instead, use a pair of pliers or a hook remover to gently remove the hook while the fish is still in the water. Having your tackle organized and easily accessible in your modular fishing kayak makes this process smoother.
Revive Exhausted Fish
If the fish is exhausted, you can revive it by gently moving it back and forth in the water. This helps to restore its energy and get its gills moving again. The maneuverability of a pedal kayak allows you to position yourself optimally for this revival process.
Release with Care
Once the fish is revived, it's time to release it back into the water. Make sure to let the fish go slowly so that it can adjust to the water temperature and pressure. Whether you're fishing from a fin drive kayak or propeller drive kayak, you can easily back away to give the fish space to swim away naturally.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you handle and release fish properly. Not only will you be doing your part to protect these species, but you'll also be able to enjoy kayak fishing without feeling guilty about harming the fish you catch.
Why Reel Yaks Modular Kayaks Solve This Problem
If you're looking for a fishing kayak that you can actually transport without a roof rack, store in an apartment, and carry solo — Reel Yaks modular fishing kayaks were built for exactly that. Each kayak breaks into 2–3 compact sections that fit in your car boot, click together in 5 minutes, and store upright in a hallway or spare room. No roof rack. No garage. No heavy lifting. Browse all modular fishing kayaks →
Fish More. Haul Less. No Roof Rack Required.
Reel Yaks modular pedal fishing kayaks break into 2–3 compact sections that fit in your car boot, store in your apartment, and assemble in 5 minutes — no roof rack, no garage, no heavy lifting. Browse all Reel Yaks modular fishing kayaks →