As the number of anglers increase, the number of catch and release bodies of water will also increase.

1. Play the fish quickly as you possibly can. If the fish is worn out, it's more stressed and has less of a chance of survival. Remember, the more fighting the fish does it is burning up more energy.

2. Using a good landing net allows you to land the fish a little faster. However try to use a cotton or rubber basket net. Nylon basket nets are more abrasive and are more likely to damage the fish.

3. Wet your hands before you handle the fish, you do not want to remove the protective slime that covers the fish.

4. If you can release the hooks while the fish is still in the water all the better. The less you handle it the better.

5. If you do not have a net, grab the fish firmly, but not too hard. For a trout turn it over on its back. This will settle it down some. For a bass try to grab them by the lower lip and you will be able to handle it easier.

6. If possible try to use barbless hooks or pinch down the barbs with pliers. It makes catch and release faster and easier.

7. Try not to horse the hook out, use hemostats if you have them. A handy cheap tool every angler should have in your tackle box.

8. If the hook is in too deep to remove it without damaging the fish just cut the line or use side cutters to cut the hooks of the lure, you then can replace them, The natural fluids in the fish will dissolve the hook.

9. Never release a fish into a swift current in a river or stream, try to find a pool of calmer water to do the live release.

10. Gently release the fish headfirst into any current. Hold your hand under the fish. When he decides to go, he will just swim away.

11.If the fish does not swim away, hold your hand under the fish near the tail and continue to rock him back and forth (moving water through his gills) until he gets his breath, a sort of fish CPR.

Remember catch and release is the way to preserve our stock of fish. If you keep fish to eat try to keep the younger fish or for some species in lakes today keep the stocked fish and release the natural breeding stock. Remember that fish you release today may be the one that gives you the thrill of a lifetime a year or two down the road.