By Jerome B. Robinson

Slip on a cotton glove before handling fish you want to release. The glove lets you grip the fish without having to squeeze it, avoiding damage to its vital organs. Inexpensive cotton gloves available in gardening shops and hardware stores are sufficient. Wrapping your hand in a cotton handkerchief also works in a pinch. Always wet your glove or handkerchief before handling your catch to avoid removing the fish's protective coat of slime. --Jerome B. Robinson