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We receive a fair volume of email at River Smallies.com and more than one of these electronic notes has expressed concern over some of the photos in our gallery. We have a few simple guidelines for photo submissions that include no obviously dead fish, no fish on stringers, and no photos of kept fish. The guidelines are not in place because we are against anglers legally keeping smallies, but because we want to promote catch and release as much as possible. Selective harvest can be beneficial even where smallmouths are concerned, however we have chosen to highlight those who decide to release their catch.

That having been said, we are not interested in being the "photo police". If you browse through the photo galleries you'll find pictures of people holding fish by the jaw in a horizontal position or photos with backgrounds that might seem suspect with regard to the release of the fish. Those are not necessarily reasons for us to reject a photo. However, it might be a good reason to briefly review some smallmouth "Tender Loving Care".

The Jaw Grab - Despite what the pros or fishing celebrities might do on tv, grabbing a fish (particularly a heavy one) by the jaw and hoisting it into a horizontal position is not good. This places undo stress on the jaw and can even cause permanent damage. Just imagine if someone placed a clamp on your lower jaw and lifted you off the ground with your full body weight being supported only by your jaw. It would likely hurt and might break your jaw. If you want the fish in a horizontal position, use your free hand to support the belly and take the pressure off the jaw. It sounds simple and actually it is simple, but many people still don't do it. If you're going to hold the fish by the jaw only, at least keep it hanging vertically.

The Gills - Don't hold a fish by putting your fingers through the gills...period! Gills perform important functions and you risk damaging them by sticking your fingers through them. Support the fish from underneath and stay away from the gills.

Wet Your Hands - Smallies (and other fish) have a slime coating that protects them. If you're going to handle a fish, do it with wet hands. Dry hands can remove part of the coating. Also, don't lay a fish down on a hot boat seat or ruler. If possible, try to release the fish while it's still in the water, especially if you don't want photos.

Speaking of Photos - Our motto is "Catch, Photo, Release", but that doesn't mean you HAVE to take pictures. When you do take photos try to do it quickly. If there is a delay for some reason (can't find the camera, have to change the film, batteries are dead, etc.) and you really want a photo, at least keep the fish in the water so it can breathe. Hold it up for the shot and then put it back in the water. Photos are great for documenting and remembering that big smallie or special day, but remember to take them as quickly and efficiently as possible.

We have a page devoted to catch and release tips where you'll find even more suggestions (Click here). Most of you know how to properly handle smallies and this is just a reminder for all of us. For those of you who are new to fishing, it is much easier to learn the right way now than to break bad habits later! If you take the time to handle fish with care from the get-go, you won't develop the bad habits that can be harmful to them. Humans place enough stress on streams and fish as it is without us making it worse with improper handling.

Show your smallies some tender loving care so they'll be around for the next time!

Good fishing,
Brian