6 must-have tools for safely releasing big fish

Properly releasing fish requires anglers to perform a series of potentially complicated tasks, often in a rocking boat, swiftly flowing water or cold, rainy conditions. You have to get a powerful, slippery creature under control and remove one or more hooks without injuring the animal or yourself, then quickly return the fish to its watery domain. And like any tricky operation, you need the right tools for the job.

LANDING NET

Match your net to the fish—a net that’s too big can create as many problems as one that’s too small. Sizes range from small, shallow teardrop nets carried by wading trout anglers, to giant hoops for muskies and salmon. The mesh on any net should also be coated or rubber, which protects the fish and gets less tangled with hooks.