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How to Hold a Fish by the Gills

By Jason Kidd | Last Updated: March 28, 2023

To hold a fish by the gills, grip the fish behind the head with your thumb and forefinger. Place your middle finger along the fish’s belly, and cup your hand around the tail. Gently squeeze the fish to secure it, being careful not to crush its delicate gills.

Quick Navigation

  • A Conservation Minute: How to Hold, Not Hang- A Guide to Proper Fish Handling
  • Does Holding a Fish by the Gills Hurt It
  • How Do You Grab Fish by the Gills?
  • Is It Safe to Hold Fish by the Gill Plate?
  • How Do You Properly Hold a Fish?
  • How Do You Hold a Fish by the Mouth?
  • Conclusion

A Conservation Minute: How to Hold, Not Hang- A Guide to Proper Fish Handling

  • Wet your hands: This will help to prevent the fish from slipping out of your grasp
  • Grasp the fish behind the gills: You can hold the fish by either side of the gill plate
  • Be careful not to touch the sharp gill rakers as you grip the fish
  • Support the body of the fish: Use your other hand to support the belly of the fish so that it doesn’t bend and break in half

Does Holding a Fish by the Gills Hurt It

No, holding a fish by the gills does not hurt it. The gills are highly vascularized and full of blood, so they are very sensitive. However, the fish is not in pain when you hold it by the gills.

How to Hold a Fish by the Gills

Credit: www.youtube.com

How Do You Grab Fish by the Gills?

Fish have gills on either side of their head, which they use to breathe. To grab a fish by the gills, you need to hold them behind the head and under the chin. The best way to do this is to put your thumb in their mouth and your fingers under their chin.

You can then use your other hand to help support the fish’s body.

Is It Safe to Hold Fish by the Gill Plate?

Yes, it is safe to hold fish by the gill plate. The gills are protected by a bony plate called the operculum, which covers and protects the gills. When you pick up a fish by its gill plate, you are not harming the fish.

How Do You Properly Hold a Fish?

Properly holding a fish depends on its size, weight and type. For example, smaller fish can be grasped by the jaw or held behind the head. Heavier fish should be supported under the belly with one hand while the other hand secures the tail.

Some types of fish have spikes or fins that can puncture your skin, so it’s important to handle them with care.

How Do You Hold a Fish by the Mouth?

If you want to hold a fish by the mouth, there are a few things you need to do. First, make sure your hands are wet so the fish doesn’t slip out. Second, gently insert your thumb and forefinger into the fish’s mouth and grip its jaw.

Be careful not to hurt the fish or damage its teeth. Finally, hold the fish close to your body so it can’t thrash around and hurt itself.

Conclusion

In order to properly hold a fish by the gills, you must first wet your hands. This will help to prevent the fish from slipping out of your grip. Next, place your thumb and forefinger on either side of the fish’s head, just behind the gills.

Gently squeeze the gills together while supporting the fish’s body with your other hand. Avoid touching the fish’s eyes or mouth, as this can harm the fish. If you are not planning to release the fish back into water, it is best to kill it quickly and humanely before removing it from the water.

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