Trout on ice...a bad thing?

[mattpeace]

If at all possible I try not to even touch the fish just pull it out enough to get the hook out, sometimes the fish doesn't even leave the water totally. If I want a pic then yes I will hold it up with wet hands get the pic and let it go. I would think the fish produces the protective slime constantly as i'm sure it is constantly rubbing it off while in the water against underwater structure. All in all do the best you can to release it safely and know you did the best you could to give it a better chance at survival. Everyone has there own thoughts on what is the right way and wrong way the only thing everyone agrees on is minimal handling.
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