Help Reduce the Mortality of Hooked and Released Fish

Some additional tips beyond the standard catch and release recommendations to keep in mind while fishing Maine's waters. Photos can be so stressful.  SKIP SOCIAL MEDIA!  But if you feel you must get a picture, prepare for taking photos with your fish safely under the water surface. When lifting the fish out of the water, do it for 5 second intervals or less.  Try to get the shot (within reason), but return your fish to the water for a rest between attempts. Take it slow down below.  Togue often have expanded swim bladders after being pulled up rapidly from deep water. When fishing near or on the bottom, try to bring your fish to the surface slowly to allow it time to expel gases built-up from water pressure changes. If the belly appears expanded, release the fish from the hook first, then gently press your thumb along the stomach near the paired belly fins and move it forward a few times to remove air from the bladder. Finally, proceed to revive and free the fish. Be speedy on the surface.  When fishing near the surface, play and release the fish as quickly and carefully as possible.  An exhausted fish may be too weak to recover.  Please, do not “overplay” your fish!  10 out of 10 fish prefer water. Minimize or eliminate the time your fish is out of the water - as little as 10 seconds of air exposure can cause delayed mortality of released trout, or the   fish maybe subject to a “quick freeze” during the winter months. In cusk we trust.  If you’re fortunate enough to catch a cusk but don’t plan to keep it, please release it back to the water.  This tasty game fish is too valuable to leave lying on the ice.