SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/fish-wet-hands

Before handling a fish you plan to release, what should you do?

Wet your hands or use a wet glove or rag.

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  1. Wet your hands first ✔
  2. Dry your hands on a towel
  3. Rub sand on your hands

Why: Wet hands are gentler on a fish than dry ones. Handle it as little as possible and keep it close to the water.

Huh, didn't know that: NOAA also says to avoid touching a fish's eyes and gills.

The dad joke
What do romantic fish sing to each other? Salmon-chanted evening!
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References

Answer: Wet your hands first. Wet hands are gentler on a fish than dry ones. Handle it as little as possible and keep it close to the water.

  1. Catch and Release (Texas Parks and Wildlife) tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/catchrelease
    Use a wet rag or glove, or wet hands before handling fish.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Catch and Release Fishing Best Practices (NOAA Fisheries) www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/resources-fishing/catch-and-release-fishing-best-practices
    Handle the fish as little as possible and only with wet hands.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Test yourself in the game

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