Be prepared
Be prepared for when you have a fish in the net. Your carp care equipment should always be ready and at hand. Have a bucket of water handy for wetting the fish down in preperation for taking photos.
Fish Care
Looking after the fish you catch should always be your priority. Unhooking mats must be used at all times and fish should be treated with a dedicated carp antiseptic treatment such as kryston’s "Klin-ik" or the Korda care kits, these can be used on any minor cuts, or sores that may be present on the fish.
Always make sure you keep any treatment away from the eyes and gills of the fish. Fish must never be left un-attended on the mat at any time and must be kept wet at all times. Fish are not to be retained in anyway except while photography equipment is being set up – sacks and keepnets are NOT allowed and fish may only be retained in a landing net or securely attached floating retainer sling for a short period of time.
When photographing fish, watches, rings etc which may cause damage to the fish must be removed and the fish held low over the unhooking mat; anglers must not stand up while holding them. Fish should be returned as soon as possible after capture, support them in the water until they have recovered before releasing.
Wetting Equipment
Please ensure all equipment is wet before lifting the fish from the water.
Zero your scales.
Zero your scales with the wet weigh sling attached and prepare camera equipment so its ready to use.
Removing the fish from the water.
When removing the fish from the water check all fins are flat against the body and support the fish with your other hand.
Keep the fish wet
When the fish is safely on the mat ensure you keep the fish wet.
Fish Handling
Have the fish on the mat with it's back towards you, slide your hands underneath the fish on to your arms gently taking hold around the fishes pectoral and anal fins. You'll now be able to roll the fishes weight forward using your forearms so your supporting it's weight evenly in both hands. If the fish tenses you can control it by rolling it back onto your forearms. Always support the fish over the mat and never stand while holding it.
Treating your capture
You should treat the fishes hook wound with a dedicated fish antiseptic such as propolis. Check the fish for any other areas that may need treatment. You should always keep treatments away from the gills and eyes of the fish. Romove any parasites such as leeches from the fish.
Returning the fish
Support the fish in the water and wait for it to recover before letting it go, keeping the fish upright at all times. Once you feel the fish kick release them slowly making sure they swim off strongly.