The story of catch and release goes back almost 40 years. In 1971 catch-and-release was introduced to the world. The following year, the first bass catch-and release bass tournament was held in Florida. Fishing has been the same ever since.

Catch and release has transformed fishing like nothing ever before or since. The introduction of catch and release spawned everything from new boat designs to tackle.

The story of modern-day form of catch and released was the brain child of BASS founder Ray Scout. Ray had started BASS and ran bass tournaments, and soon discovered that during the events he was concerned with the numbers of bass being taken out of fisheries that hosted tournaments.

Back in the day, anglers had to rig their own boats with any system they could think of to keep their daily catch alive. Bass pros would rig crude aerator systems fashioned from garden hoses and sprinklers to conform to the new catch-and-release rule. Aerated live wells become standard as bass boat manufacturers embraced the idea of conserving the resource.

The original system of catch and release has been redefined and adjusted over time, but the original concept is still the same — to keep fish alive after we take them off the hook. From aerators in live wells, to stiffer rods, to care of the fish when they are put back into the water, today’s anglers are much more knowledgeable regarding keeping fish alive and protecting the resource.

For muskie hunters, proper catch and release has been more important today than it ever has been. While it may take a bass three years to get to legal limit — depending on fishery — it will take a muskie 10 years to be 40 inches-plus. This is why muskie anglers need to understand and practice proper catch and release.

It has been many years since I have heard of any local muskie hunters taking their catch. Muskie anglers are adamant about getting their fish back into the water to be caught another day.

There a few basic things that we all need to keep in mind. Some I have learned from others and some I have discovered the hard way. Preparation is the key, along with anticipation for any successful muskie release. Here are just few things we have discovered over the years of releasing more than 2,300 muskies — yes, I keep records — with only two not making it.

Prepare beforehand by carrying a long-nose pliers or hook remover, and a wire cutter or small bolt cutter capable of cutting your heaviest hooks. Don’t play the fish to complete exhaustion. If at all possible, keep the fish in the water. You can measure it and remove the hooks while it is held horizontally in the water. The fish will usually remain much calmer than if it is bought into the boat. You can measure it by laying a ruler alongside it in the water, or with markings on the outside of your boat.

If hook removal might injure the fish, cut the hook with a small bolt cutter, which should be within arm’s length from you. The imbedded portion can then be more easily removed with a pair of long-nosed pliers.

If you want to take a picture, do it quickly. Do not ever hold the fish vertically by the gill covers. A fish’s body is designed for life in a weightless environment. Always support its weight horizontally to avoid possible injury to the spine and the tissues around the head.

Muskies are frequently lost at boat side due to improper netting. Likewise, muskies can also be harmed when poorly netted as, depending upon net type and material, fish are prone to tangle themselves thus making hook removal increasingly difficult. This is frequently common in cheap aluminum and mesh nets that offer fish and their fins no protection as they thrash themselves around. For muskie hunters, mesh nets are awful. I like the cradle FraBill offers. They are a little bulky in smaller boats, but are true life saver, when it comes to a good release.

A good net job is the first step to ensure a good release, and both steps work together hand in hand. A good net job is as good as a successful release. Be in control of the fight and the way you will handle the fish. Always net the fish head first as it minimizes hook and fish tangles, and prevents fin and bodily damage. Until the fish is completely unhooked and ready for quick photograph, always keep it in the water.

When the fish is ready for release, hold it upright in the water and allow it to regain its strength. Often times we’ll have to help the fish along by holding its tail — more on this latter — and giving it a short back in forth motion, as much to open the gills a little bit. Once the fish is ready to take off, it will go.

After the release, always stay close by and make sure the fish doesn’t come back to the surface. If it does, work with the fish again. Try to keep from grabbing a muskie from the side, the protective “slime” is there for a reason and if you grab a muskie from its side this can hurt the fish. It may take few attempts, but keep with her/him, and with a little help they will take off on their own.

A good release starts with proper tackle. There are many reasons to use heavy action rods and reels, strong line, and high-quality snaps, swivels, split rings, leaders, and hooks all of which is based off a good, safe release. Good equipment will allow you to land your fish in a reasonable amount of time without putting stress on the fish.

Always revive the fish before letting it go. Sometimes the fish will swim away instantaneously, and sometimes the revival can take up to 10 minutes or more. Remember to be patient. Hold the fish by the tail section with one hand, while using your other hand to gently balance the fish under its belly. This method will give the fish additional support. Gently move the fish back and forth to ensure that the gill covers are moving softly. When the fish is strong enough to wriggle away and stay upright, you may release the fish.

Particularly in shallow areas, water temperatures can reach the high 70s to low 80s. With water temperatures this high, muskies are subject to high rates of mortality due to angling stress. In these situations, reduce stress factors by reducing “fight time” to the absolute minimum. The captured fish should not be boated. Practice water release and handling only, photograph the fish in the water, ensure proper resuscitation, and stay with the fish until it’s fully recovered. One of things I have discovered over the years is the idea of wearing a release glove. Although they aren’t bullet-proof towards sharp hooks and preventing hook injuries from taking place, they are important to me as they preserve my hands and prevent me from receiving cuts against sharp teeth and gills. If these gloves come with palm and finger grips, they may aid you in holding and gripping the fish. However, usually the slimy nature of muskies will deny you of that.

The big question I get regarding catch and release is when is it best and how to take a photograph? If you have a partner in the boat with you, make sure they are ready to take the picture at your command. Many times, I will fish by myself to scout new water and this makes things real interesting when it’s time for a photo. I always have a camera system conveniently set up on a tripod in my boat. A self-timer on your camera is a must at this point. Keeping the delicate fish out of the water for not more than 10 to 15 seconds is crucial.

As a muskie angler, it is all of our duty to safely release all our fish back into the water they were caught in. The future of muskie is in each one of our hands each time we release a muskie. Learning how to properly release may take a little time, and some error, but it’s important that we all take the time to spend as much time and effort to safely release the fish as we do setting a hook on them.