When handling a fish larger than 30 inches or so, it is best to handle them as little as possible. Use a cradle or landing net and keep them in the water for the release. If you want a photo, slide one hand under the gill plates, not touching the gill membrane and lift it out of the water while supporting it with your other hand under the belly. The fish should be supported as horizontally as possible. You can do serious damage to a large fish by just holding it under the gills, vertically.
Take a quick couple of pictures then ease the fish back into the water. If it is sluggish, hold it gently by the tail until it is strong enough to swim out of your grip. Do not try to force water through its gills by pushing it back and forth. Always use wet hands when handling the fish.
Rich D
