Best way to release fish

[desert fox]

I was out fishing the other day and caught a 35(incher). Nice boatside release. It got me thinking what is the best way to release a fish. I try not to take them out of the water. But I was wondering if holding them in my aerated livewell might not be better for a fish that seems really worn out.

There's no doubt that putting a fish in an aerated livewell in warm-weather conditions or anytime a fish is overly tired/stressed will greatly aid in resussitating the fish. But there are two main concerns with this practice. First - is the fish a legal length? You wouldn't want to be caught with an undersized musky in a livewell, the DNR officials have all heard the excuse - "I was only reviving it, honestly I was going to release it!" That excuse just won't fly (float) even when it's true! Second - If you leave it in there too long and it even comes close to being truly revived, you (even with the help of two other fishing pardners) are going to have one devil of a time trying to extract it from that livewell! All four of you are going to need revival by the time you get that action accomplished! If it's an exhausted legal fish and you have a well-areated livewell (long enough to accept the fish without bending it in half) sure go ahead and give it an oxygen boost, but pay attention and when it appears to be regainig it's equalibrium, get it back into the lake or river fast. You wouldn't even want to think of trying to grab hold of a well recuperated musky in a livewell and trying to lift it out of the well and place it over the side of the boat. Anyone who didn't already have a healthy respect for this toothy predator before such an adventure sure as he!! would have it after the fact!

Cheers and tight lines,

MLK

[Musk Rat]

Very true they can regain strength fast in the live well. Better to hold a resusitated fish for a photo than a exhausted one i would think. Uless you drop it of course. If your not going to take a picture i would just unhook it in the water and let it swim away. If it doesn`t swim away ( very rare for a fish unhooked in the water with no net or landing devise) then i would go the livewell route.