flyfisherjohn

birchy, you just highlighted exactly what I wanted, they say "Grasp the fish just behind the gill covers" that is exactly what I am trying to say.

from my original post, "The technique of one hand holding onto the gill plate, and one hand under the belly" I was wondering if you could post those links toolman. please and thanks

I never said vertical........ read it again

Hi, long time reader first time poster. First off I would like to say that the point of this post is a troll nor is it to get anyone in a big fuss. I just want to know a few things about fish handling, and maybe bring knowledge to other folks on here. I moved here from out east two year’s ago and out there it is mainly pike fishing/walleye fishing, which is normal for the fish to be held under the gill plate. This same technique of handling trout is used out there for the most part. I personally have used this hold many times for trout, and it never seemed to be a problem for catch and release of bigger trout. I see on the forums here for the bow river, crowsnest river, etc it is almost like a sin if somebody ever did this. I remember a particular member holding a nice trout by the gill plate and he basically got crucified for it. I am wondering why this attitude exists? I can understand that if you don’t hold the trout properly and hold it in the gill rakers it can be bad for the fish, but if you hold them properly by the gill plate you should not be touching the gill rakers anyhow. I also feel that I have more control for the fish when they decide to go “buck wild” and start flipping around. I have seen many fisherman on the bow who are so dead set on the tail hold/under the belly but when the fish flips they just let go, and fish crashes into the rocks. The technique of one hand holding onto the gill plate, and one hand under the belly also makes a much better picture due to the fact you aren’t covering up as much of the fish. I also must say that the gill plate holding technique is much more suited to bigger trout(over 24 inches) as I would say it could do some damage to a smaller fish. Another point I’d like to make is that I have guided up in northern Saskatchewan and the NWT and the common practice for the lakers up there is a gill hold, keep in mind these lodges are 100% C&R. I am basically posting this just to see if anyone can post some scientific facts, or studies done on fish as to why you should never hold a fish by the gills. And once again, I am not trying to start a big argument so please try to keep it civil. Thanks!