I see people holding fish for a picture that are still alive by their gills. And they are going to release them. Does that hurt the fish? I never hold a fish like that whenI am going to release it.
CT

This is not the correct C-n-R practice.Must be rookies,but at least they're letting them go!!!!!!Good luck, STRIKE ZONE

Chris,
Not only that but,I see alot of pictures where the river is a long way's behind the happy angler.I try to take my pictures kneeling down in the stream with the fish as close to the water as possible.lester

The best way is to keep the fish in the water. Kneel in behind the fish and if necessary hold the fish by the wrist of the tail. Usually a fish will be tired enough and be calm while the photo is taken. Dont take more than one or two pics. Keep the fish in the water. After the photo the fish can be held*in the water* facing upstream. The fish will right itself and you'll feel it regaining its strength . When it does slowly release your grip on its tail. Most of the time they will swim slowly away to find a safe place to rest.

If a fish is taken out of the water they generally panics, even after you put them back in the water they put much more effort into getting away and often get away before being fully revived. They probably survive anyway but why take the chance. A fish being alive is more important than a perfect glory shot.

Sticking your fingers in a fishes gills is never a smart thing to do if you plan on releasing a fish. Do as Rob mnetioned and everything should be good.