"Gravity is not a fish's friend - A fish out of water is a bad thing. Hung by the lower jaw, grabbed behind the head, even cradled by the underbelly: All these release methods can damage a fish's internal organs, scales and protective slime. Just being out of the water deprives a fish of oxygen when it needs it most. Studies have found that catch-and-release mortality can be as high as 30 %. If you are planning to release a fish, give it a break: Experiment with underwater photography and then release the fish underwater touching only the hook."
Joel Hitsman
Old Time Angler, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
A landing net is an important tool in catch and release fishing. It can reduce the amount of time that a fish is played, thereby reducing the build-up of lactic acid that occurs when playing a fish. Too much lactic acid in a trout's system can lead to death even though it may seem to swim away. TJ Pepin shows how to properly use a net. Think of it as a corral to hold your fish while you photograph and remove the fly. For as long as I can remember the cover of Flyfisherman magazine has always had a photo someone holding some kind of trout in the prone position. There is no need to lift a fish out of the water other than to get your face in the photo. Fish have evolved in an environment that does not require a strong skeletal frame to protect their organs. Water does that for them. Keep them in it.