Holding fish by gills

While surfing the net, looking at peoples fish photos, I started to wonder how many people hold fish by their gill plates for photos. I try to always cradle the fish, and never stick my hand in a gill as I might damage it and make for a more difficult release.

Am I in the minority here? Seems like most pictures I see, show someone with a hand in the gill, and IMO a high chance to injure the fish.

Thanks in Advance

If done properly I see no harm, but I can imagine not all these fish in the pictures are being held properly or people are not taking care when getting their hand in there can cause damage also. That means not touching the actual gills (the red part) while holding or getting your hand up in there. On the larger fish (Pike, Muskie and extremely large Eyes)it is a good idea to use your other hand on the fish’s belly area, to help distribute some of the weight off the head area. Good Point Farm Boy!

Everyone remember to to take good care fo the fish that you are releasing to swim another day

I think there is a very small chance of damaging a fish’s gills by putting your fingers/hand under the gill plate … I think there is a much higher chance of harming the fish by losing control and dropping it when you don’t have a good handle.

Also, I agree with Lip Ripper 100% on the two handed support thing for big fish. Larger muskies, pike, etc. (sturgeon, probably) need to have a hand under the belly to support their weight. Their bodies aren’t designed to be hung by a gill plate and a vertical hold can do irreversible damage.

Very large bass should have the belly supported if lipping them and holding them horizontal to avoid injury to there jaw

The purpose of holding a fish by the belly, mid way is to protect the spine.

Holding a muskie or pike straight by the jaw will stretch the spine. It will stretch to the point of where you can hear it “popping”…..

Farmboy1,

I agree with the above from Ripper and John as well. When holding a walleye inside the gill plate, its important to hug the inside of the gill plate with one or two fingers (IMO..one for smaller fish and two for the bigger) and point them back towards the mouth opening. This ensures you keep your fingers away from the gills. Then use your thumb to pinch the thin skin above the jaw bone to your index finger for a good handle in case the fish decides she does not want her picture taken.

There’s not much to add to what’s already been said but I’m glad to see the concern. I know I’m guilty of poorly handling fish myself at times. Sometimes they can be hard to handle. Keep spreading the good word.

You guys are a wealth of knowledge, I in your very presence.

honestly though, thanks guys. Appreciate the feedback.

Yes to all suggestions. I’ve also been told that bigger fish shouldn’t be held vertically since it puts more pressure on the fish’s organs and bone structure since they are made to live horizontally in water.

I am just happy to see people so concerned with how to handle a fish before releasing it!

The most important thing for most fish, especially in warmer water is to get them back in asap. So make sure the camera is always ready and you have talked about what to do when you catch a fish so there is no fumbling around. I know I have been guilty of that. As it was said, as long as the fingers inside the gill plate are pinched against the plate, you should be fine. And cradling the bigger fish as much as possible is a good idea because their bodies aren’t used to gravity.

Great posts on all and remember if it is in the Esox family, try to keep all the “slime” on the fish when you release it. That is a protective coating that those fish need to survive!!