Land a fish
The phrase “landing the fish” refers to getting it out of the water.
The easiest way to land a fish is with a net, although using a net is no guarantee of securing it. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Bring the fish in close enough so the net can easily reach the fish. Ease the net into the water away from the fish so as not to alarm it. If you spook the fish, it may turn away and make another run.
When netting a fish, do not chase it. With the net in the water, guide the fish into the net or slowly move the net under the fish and swoop the net upwards, landing the fish. Quickly remove the net and fish from the water.
If you do not have a net and the fish is not too heavy, you can often lift the fish out of the water or drag it to shore. If you are careful and are not catching fish with sharp teeth, you can carefully bring the fish close to you and insert your thumb in its mouth. Then, with your index finger, grab the fish’s lower jaw and lift it out of the water.
Do not enter the water to land your fish.A growing number of anglers fish just for fun, to be with friends, and to enjoy nature. For these anglers, catching fish is only part of the experience, so once they’ve reeled in a fish, they let it go. This practice is known as catch and release. At The Fishing Foundation we encourage anglers to catch and release. Fish that are caught and quickly released survive the experience.
About Hooked
“Hooked” is a new comic strip based on characters taken from the book “Learn To Fish, A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginning Anglers.” It features a multicultural cast of teens who love to fish and decide to form a fishing club in Cleveland. See “Hooked” monthly right here on the Signal Cleveland website produced in partnership with Dennis James Knowles and Gail Ann Grizzell of Cleveland’s The Fishing Foundation.
Ohio does not require those under 16 to have a fishing license. Read more on Ohio fishing laws here.
