In extreme cases the fish are simply too big and powerful to be landed with any form of net or sling. For example, attempting to land a GT in a net or sling may actually extend the fight and result in unnecessary damage to the fish. In these cases, try to land the fish in the water by gripping the fish by the tail, or in the case of Tarpon by the bottom jaw. This is again made much easier with the assistance of a fishing buddy. Don’t lift the fish by the tail or mouth without supporting its body, as this will undoubtedly damage its spine. If you don’t have someone to assist you and need to beach a large fish (i.e. when fishing the surf), don’t drag the fish onto dry sand. Keep it on the wet sand and get it back into the water as soon as possible.
Fish slings or cradles are easily made and can be vital to landing and handling larger fish.
Rubber nets are the way to go!
Finally, wherever possibly, try to get the fish and yourself into a position that poses the lowest risk to injury before trying to remove the hook, take photos or revive the fish after it has been landed. This can be as simple as moving into slower water behind a rock in the river to allow you to handle the fish with more care, without being swept off your feet. As mentioned, each environment and fish species will have its own unique set of risks to landing fish safely. It is our duty to understand and manage these risks, to ensure that the fish will have the best odds of surviving after being released.
your feet. As mentioned, each environment and fish species will have its own unique set of risks to landing fish safely. It is our duty to understand and manage these risks, to ensure that the fish will have the best odds of surviving after being released.