When I was a youngster, my dad always had to handle the fish for me. I just found them way too slimy and gross (you can make fun of me for this I can take it).
But as I got older and learned about the best ways to handle fish to ensure a high survival rate after release, I finally discovered the secret behind the "slime."
The Secret Weapon: The Slime Coat
That slippery layer you feel isn't just the scales of the fish, it’s actually a specialized mucus layer (or slime coat), and it is absolutely critical to a fish's survival.
Think of the slime as their primary immune system. This slime coat acts as a fish’s main line of defense against:
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Harmful bacteria
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Parasites
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Fungal infections
Aside from health defense, it also reduces friction, helping them "slip" through the water with less effort. This is especially important for hard-charging fish that need to travel upstream to spawn.
Even cooler? If a fish gets cut or damaged by predators or sharp rocks, their body can actually produce more mucus around the impacted area to accelerate healing and block out infections.
The Enemy of the Slime Coat: Abrasive Materials
Now that we know why fish are slimy, let’s talk about what ruins it.
The biggest threat to a fish's protective coating during a catch-and-release scenario is abrasion. When a fish rubs against a rough surface, that vital slime coat gets rubbed off in those contacted areas, leaving the fish completely vulnerable to deadly infections long after it swims away.
To protect the fish, you need to avoid abrasive materials. Some of the most common culprits include:
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Dry Hands: Skin oils and dry skin act like a sponge to a fish's slime.
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Cotton Gloves: While they give you a great grip, they act like sandpaper to a fish's protective layer.
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Traditional Nylon Nets: Coarse, knotted (even knotless) nylon netting can scrape away the coat and split fins.
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Your Clothing: Holding a fish against your shirt or jacket sleeve for a photo is a quick way to strip their defenses.
The Golden Rule: If it touches the fish, it needs to be smooth and wet.
How to Practice Safe Handling
Minimizing abrasion is incredibly simple if you follow a few basic rules next time you're on the water:
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Wet Your Hands First
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Ditch the Fabric Gloves
Upgrade Your Net for Safer Releases
Stick to a landing net bag/basket that is rubber. Rubber is non-abrasive compared with existing alternatives, doesn't absorb the fish's mucus, and won't tangle with your hooks.
Are you in the market for a new landing net that keeps fish safe and makes handling a breeze? Shop our Collection of Nets https://www.seamfishing.com/collections/nets
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