HOLDING
Large Fish
When Holding Large Carp or other species it is very important you hold them correctly so you don't hurt the fish and minimize rish of dropping them.
Holding fish correctly is one of the biggest subjects in the fishing industry as we see so many people on the bank incorrectly handling the fish and even dropping them and damaging these fine specimens. People have to realise that these fish aren’t cheap and it's not like popping to a fish shop to purchase a gold fish to replace the Carp that they have damaged or hurt. It is so important than anglers who introduce youngsters to the sport impress on them the importance of handling the fish correctly. It all very well swinging in a small silver fish and holding it with one hand whilst unhooking it with the other as the risk of dropping the fish is minimal (although I have seem many a capture lost this way). It is vital understanding where you place your hands and how to hold the fish to minimize the risk of dropping the fish and damaging it, By following a few simple rules you can ensure the safety of your capture and get a few good photographs for you photo album. lacinia purus.
1. Ensure you are knelt down and that the fish is lifted no higher than 2 or 3 foot from the unhooking mat, and please ALWAYS use an unhooking mat when handling large fish
2. When holding the fish make sure you position your hands in the correct place depending if you are left or right handed it doesn't matter as long as your fingers allow the fins to pass between them. This will stop the fish from thrashing about and trying to shake or turn its body.
3. Make sure the fish is around chest hight when kneeling down so if the fish does try to escape you are able to lean the fish backwards against your body this will stop you from dropping the fish and regain the control you needed in order to take your picture.
4. If ia fish is very lively and still has fight in it then just simply place your hands over the eyes of the fish as the darkness will calm the fish down and eventually relax it.
At all times you must make sure you you have water near by so that you can constantly we the surface of the skin/scales as a dry fish is not a happy fish. The welfare of the fish should always come first and if you are a keen angler you should always carry a bottle of carp care with you so that you can treat any wounds the fish may have got during the fight. By following these simple rules you will ensure that many other anglers will benefit from the care and attention you have given to the fish and it should grow in size and maybe one day become a record breaking fish.
"Making sure you are holding the fish in the right place and ensuring that it is no higher than 2 or 3 foot from the mat you should be able to take some classic photographs of your trophies and ensure the safety of the fish “
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