Fred is the master at fish protection. He/we won't sacrifice any threat to the fish for the sake of a photo.

But his method is way cool:

1. Land fish in large rubber mesh net. We both use a net that is 30" long and 27" wide. That way you can quickly get a size judgement.

2. Remove hook from fish in the water, leave fishy swimming in the big "aquairum" net while you get things ready.

3. Once the cameraman is all set, swoop fish up, pose it, take the shot.

4. Release fish in the water to live another day.

This method really is benign on the fish, and works to get some great shots. If there are not two or more people though, I havn't found a good way other than to hold the net arm between my legs, and photo the fish in the submerged net. Elsewise, just forget the photos and protect the fish.

These wild rainbows are great creatures. In the Kenai, the majority have gotten on the hook at least once in their lives due to the fishing pressure. However, it is a tribute to the fishers that they live through the catch and release ordeal without great harm.