Fish care at Ribiere is critical to us. Please ensure you view the fish care video and that you have appropriate equipment, as set out in our rules. Large unhooking mats, nets and slings are provided. Fish over 55lb must be notified before they are photographed. All fish must be photographed and weighed in the water. Make sure you have chest waders with you – no exceptions.
General fish handling guide
1) Once the fish is in the net let it rest whilst you get everything on the bank ready – scales, water bucket, fishcare kit, photo equipment.
2) Never attempt to deal with large fish on your own. If the fish is over 55lb/25kg notify me (day or night) who will come and assist you.
3) Put on your chest waders and cut your line or rig so you are not connected to the fish.
4) Roll down the net and put the fish into the retaining sling making sure the fins of the fish are flat against its body.
5) Zip the sling so the fish is retained and drop the net around the fish. The fish should now be in the retaining sling with only the hook/rig and no net.
5) With the aid of someone else lift the fish onto your unhooking mat in the water.
6) Remove the hook, treat the mouth (if you do not have a care kit you should not be fishing) and any other scale damage. Take care with the tail of the fish when closing slings.
7) Weigh the fish in the water using a weigh bar or other equipment provided.
8) Photograph the fish in the water. Do not take too many photographs (5 of each side is adequate) and I do not want to see you with multiple cameras or phones. One camera or one phone a few shots and the fish goes back.
9) Rest the fish for a short time and then release from the retaining sling.
This whole process should not take you more than a few minutes. The fish should never be out of the water other than when its lifted in the retaining sling to remove the hook and treat the mouth and wehn its weighed. Please ensure that the care of the fish is your most important concern. You are the guardian of the fish when it is in your care. Please use common sense. If you are unsure ask for help. We want you to enjoy your stay and get good pictures. But we will not tolerate bad fish care and excessive photography or filming.
Fish care rules – summary
- Large unhooking mats are provided along with retaining slings
- Landing nets are provided
- Anglers must carry carpcare kits and you must treat all hook holds and any damage
- If you have a fish with any mouth damage I need to see it to assess it.
- All fish MUST be photographed and weighed in the water. You need chest waders
- All fish must be immediately released once photographed
- NO sacking or retaining of fish. Floating slings are provided for limited retention no longer than 10 minutes- to sort out your scales and camera or to get help for weighing
- All fish over 55lb/25kg must be notified to the owner who will assist you with weighing and photography
- All fish must be moved in large retaining slings provided. No moving fish in nets whatever the size
- No carrying or holding of fish whilst standing.
If in doubt please ask. We are here to help.
