Northwest Fishing Reports

The old school of thought has been to work the fish back and forth in the water for a few seconds or minutes untill it wants to swim off on it's own accord.
I read a few years back in In-Fishermen magazine(the Linder boys "Al & Ron" have been at the for front of many discoveries over the years) that pulling the fish back has the opposite effect on reviving a fatigued fish.
This is how they kill sharks ya know, by dragging them backwards.
Just hold the fish upright in the water. As long as it's gills are moving, it's breathing and will probably recover. When it wants to swim off on it's own, just let go. Moving the fish forward only is recommended if the fish's gills do not move allowing the fish to take in fresh water over her gills.
Also, always release them over shallow water so they don't nose dive the bottom in very deep water and die before they have a chance to recover.
Every fish is important so let's have fun but be carefull also.
Best of luck out there folks.

Thanks for the reminder in the heat of battle we sometimes forget to do those things. See ya at Curlew. FEAR NO FISH!!!

I also have heard -- forget where -- that gill-pumping them is not recommended. My boat has a 60-inch livewell, which I have used successfully to revive sluggish fish. Running the aerator full blast puts lots of oxygen in the livewell water. Another point -- If the fish rolls on its side or back, hold it upright until it gets air back in its swim bladder and can stay upright on its own.

The gill issue has to do with the way oxygen is exchanged in the system. Most freshwater fish have counter-current flow in their gills to maximize oxygen uptake. This however depends on the flow of oxygenated water coming in from the front and maintaining the system. If you flush them the flow is broken and the high saturation water is at the wrong part of the gills. Support the fish until it recovers and then let it go on its own as was stated. The best medicine is good tools and a fast release, above all keep the fishs head underwater as much as possible, this keeps them calm and aerated and a fish should never be in the boat for any reason. Straight from the net, picture, back in the water.

Kevin

Great toppic and so very important. We are responsible to practice and teach others these things so we all can fish for many generations. Thanks for posting.

From what I have read and understand. The back n' forth motion can actually drown the fish. This goes for all species..