Bob Laskodi
08-11-2006, 02:07 PM
Most flyfishers are interested in taking photos of their catch, but in doing so we are sometimes unintentionally causing some harm to the fish. Here are some fisheries biologist endorsed photo tips that will help you take great pictures of those trophies. Three general rules to remember: 1) never squeeze the fish at any place other than the tail as you may damage internal organs; 2) try to leave the fish in the water any way you can-fish like to breathe also, and water supports their internal organs; and #3) hold you breath whenever the fish is out of the water, whenever you can't leave it in the water-when you start feeling stress just remember the fish is also feeling stress. As a very general rule 15 seconds out of the water will induce little stress on the fish and in many instances under 30 seconds may be permissable. Never leave a fish out of the water for more than 30 seconds!
Technique #1: Grasp the fish firmly around the tail area of the fish as seen in the photo (this is the only location on the fish you are allowed to squeeze!). Cradle the head with an open hand to support the weight of the fish and leave the fish so its bottom half is still in the water.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/0a5c994d.jpg
Technique #2: Cradle the fish completely with both hands as needed (make sure they're wet!) and support the entire fish without squeezing. If you need to use two hands, by all means ask your fishing buddy for help. The second you lift the fish from the water hold your breath. When you start feeling stress, remember the fish is also feeling stress!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/64f61242.jpg
Technique #3: All FF should carry a quart size zip loc in their vest and place the fish in the water filled bag for photo purposes. If you place the bag just under the surface of the water in the stream you will get a high quality photo with minimal distortion. Look closely at some of the photo's and you will see that they are indeed in a zip loc bag just under the surface of the water!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/ab5f8241.jpg
Technique #4: Carry a small disposable aluminum cooking tray, pie tin, scientific collection tray (hehehe!) or any other shallow container that will hold water. Place the fish in it with water that is only deep enough to just cover the fish while it's laying on its side. This will cause the fish to lay on its side while taking your photos and the fact that it is in water will calm the fish and prevent flopping and you will get a fantastic quality photo. Here's a picture of the system in action using a very rare Calif Warner Lake Redband.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/5a1ac898.jpg
Technique #1: Grasp the fish firmly around the tail area of the fish as seen in the photo (this is the only location on the fish you are allowed to squeeze!). Cradle the head with an open hand to support the weight of the fish and leave the fish so its bottom half is still in the water.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/0a5c994d.jpg
Technique #2: Cradle the fish completely with both hands as needed (make sure they're wet!) and support the entire fish without squeezing. If you need to use two hands, by all means ask your fishing buddy for help. The second you lift the fish from the water hold your breath. When you start feeling stress, remember the fish is also feeling stress!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/64f61242.jpg
Technique #3: All FF should carry a quart size zip loc in their vest and place the fish in the water filled bag for photo purposes. If you place the bag just under the surface of the water in the stream you will get a high quality photo with minimal distortion. Look closely at some of the photo's and you will see that they are indeed in a zip loc bag just under the surface of the water!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/ab5f8241.jpg
Technique #4: Carry a small disposable aluminum cooking tray, pie tin, scientific collection tray (hehehe!) or any other shallow container that will hold water. Place the fish in it with water that is only deep enough to just cover the fish while it's laying on its side. This will cause the fish to lay on its side while taking your photos and the fact that it is in water will calm the fish and prevent flopping and you will get a fantastic quality photo. Here's a picture of the system in action using a very rare Calif Warner Lake Redband.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/5a1ac898.jpg