Fish length is measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail, with mouth closed and tail lobes pressed together.

Catch-and-Release: Most anglers release fish immediately if they feel they are just too small to take. Many anglers are strictly catch-and-release fishermen. In any of these cases, it is important to know the basics of fish handling to ensure that they will live to fight again.

First, the most difficult part: catch a fish. If it is obviously under any size limit, release the fish without lifting it into the boat or on the bank. To do this, grab the fish at the base of the tail (a cotton glove makes this easier.) Open the bail of your reel and set your rod down. Free the hook. If the fish has swallowed the hook, cut the line as close to the hook as possible. The hook will eventually rust away.

Fish will survive better if not played to exhaustion. If you must land a fish to measure it, use a net. Don't allow the fish to bounce around on the boat floor. This could injure the fish or remove the mucous coating which protects it from infection. Remove the fish from the net by gripping it gently but firmly around the gill plates and mid-section. Never touch the eyeballs or delicate gills. After removing the hook, wet your measuring board and measure the fish. If the fish is under the length limit or you just wish to release it, don't merely toss it back into the water. Release it gently. If it is slow to swim off, carefully move it back and forth, forcing water through its gills. This will aid the fish's revival.

Although some fish will be lost to hook injury, research has found this to be minimized if they are properly handled.

Remember these guidelines for handling fish.

1. Wet hands and keep fish in water as much as possible when handling and removing the hook.

2. Remove hook gently. Don't squeeze fish or put fingers into the gills.

3. If deeply hooked, cut line. Don't pull hook out.

4. Release fish only after its equilibrium is maintained. If necessary, hold fish gently upright and move it slowly back and forth in the water.

5. Do not play fish to exhaustion.

Caution: Be extremely cautious when removing hooks from walleye. They have very sharp teeth and gill covers, and a thrasing walleye could drive a hook into your hand.