Minimise time spent to land the fish by using suitable gear

Avoid using stainless steel hooks

Use circle hooks to increase chance of mouth hooking fish

Use barbless hooks or reduce barbs to assist removal

Non-offset circle hooks reduce deep setting

Do not attempt to remove deep set hooks, trim fishing line as close as possible to the fish’s mouth

Minimise handling and air exposure by removing hooks while the fish is in the water (where possible)

Use a net with small meshes to reduce potential damage to fins and spines and abrasion of protective mucus and scales

Avoid placing or dropping fish on hot or hard surfaces

When handling a fish, do not hold fish by the gills or eyes,

Cover the eyes with a wet cloth

Ensure you have wet hands and support the fish’s weight with two hands

Revive exhausted fish by releasing the fish head first into the water allowing water to pass over the gills