I have been getting into fishing recently and I really do love it but I find myself nervous and confused after the initial rush of getting the hook set. I have heard many different opinions, but the general consensus (please tell me if this is wrong) is that one should reel in the fish fast so it doesn't get too tired, leave it in the water if possible but limit the time out if a picture is wanted. Then get thin needlenose pliers and gently push down/rotate the hook so it comes out the same way it went in.
However, I want to know what exactly I should do when the fish comes to shore. I usually fish from the banks of either my local creek or local pond and try to get near a deeper part with little to no rocks near the bank when reeling the fish in. I have heard that one should pick the fish up by the jaw (thumb in mouth) vertically while removing the hook. But I think that this could damage the fishes jaw if it flops around.
What do with the fish when I get it hooked? How should I handle it safely, when I want to get a photo (keeping in mind I am on the shore)? I mainly fish large and smallmouth bass and trout (rainbow and brown).
I use barbless hooks which I consider appropriate for the size fish.
However, I want to know what exactly I should do when the fish comes to shore. I usually fish from the banks of either my local creek or local pond and try to get near a deeper part with little to no rocks near the bank when reeling the fish in. I have heard that one should pick the fish up by the jaw (thumb in mouth) vertically while removing the hook. But I think that this could damage the fishes jaw if it flops around.
What do with the fish when I get it hooked? How should I handle it safely, when I want to get a photo (keeping in mind I am on the shore)? I mainly fish large and smallmouth bass and trout (rainbow and brown).
I use barbless hooks which I consider appropriate for the size fish.