After allowing the fish time to recover in the landing device, should you need to lift it from the water to remove the hook or take a photo, air exposure should be kept to a bare minimum. Keeping the fish in the water, briefly lift it from the water for a few seconds before gently placing it back. As experienced fly fishing guide Mark Yelland told me, “when you need to breath the fish needs to breath”, a very useful guide to the amount of time a fish should be kept out of the water.
Taking photographs is probably the number one reason for fish being exposed to air for too long. By following these simple tips, you can still get that epic shot while keeping the fish wet and healthy.
•Invest in a compact waterproof camera or GoPro: While most smartphones have some degree of water resistance nowadays, I have found my compact waterproof camera indispensable at photographing wet and happy fish. Without having to worry about drowning the camera, I keep it on a lanyard around my neck and simply pop the camera into my top shirt pocket for safe-keeping. After landing a fish, I let it recover in the net while I get my camera settings ready. Then, when ready for release I briefly lift the fish from the water while taking a few quick photos as the fish slides back into the water. If you have a GoPro you can strategically mount it on your chest or net and set it up to take a photo every second. Have a look at this video to see how you can use your GoPro to get fish friendly photos.
•Fish with friends: While you handle the fish in the net, your friend can set-up the camera and get the right angle in relation to the light. Once the fish has recovered and the camera man is ready, let them direct you to briefly lift the fish as they snap away before you lower the fish back into the water.