TU Trout Releasing Tips!

That's the good news! 

The bad news is that thousands of those released trout will die needlessly because of injuries that that could have been prevented if anglers had consistently practiced five simple CPR steps outlined here. 

Where a trout is hooked is much more important to its post-release survival than What is on the hook. Most hooks embedded in the the mouth or jaw can easily be removed without causing permanent injuries. Trout that have been deeply hooked, however, are very vulnerable to mortal injuries. Nearly all such trout will soon die if swallowed hooks are removed. Do not try to remove swallowed hooks if you plan to release your catch. Just cut your line close to the mouth. On average, two of every three such released trout will survive. Swallowed hooks will soon be dissolve away. 

If you fish with natural bait, try to strike quickly, before the hook is swallowed. Your catching will properly decline a bit, but you'll be able to release more trout unharmed-a conservation and sportsman gain worth the tradeoff. Maybe the trout you ÒrecycleÓ this season will grow to be bragging-sized catches on future trips. 

Regardless of what methods you use to fish, please try to maximize survival of each trout you release. Be a practicing CPR trouter. 

Future fishing will be better if you keep fewer of the leagal-size trout you catch and properly release every trout you do not wish to keep. 

Thanks for your conservation efforts to restore and enhance Wisconsins precious trout resources. 

Wisconsin Council of Trout Unlimited