The following information is for guidance only BUT failure to protect our fish stocks is the action of fools.
Before setting out to catch a double figure fish check out your equipment. Balanced tackle is of major importance rod, reel, and quality min. 10lb breaking strain line, min. 48cm large landing net and an unhooking mat.
Your strict attention from the moment you strike and hook the fish starts to determine its welfare. DO NOT panic and hurry reeling in; patience and care should be exercised at all times during this period. DO NOT chase the fish with the landing net, hold the net in the water and guide the fish over the net. Once the fish is in the landing net, leave it there and ensure that it is upright in a reasonable depth of water.
If you can, unhook the fish whilst still in the water do so NOW. Once the fish is secure in the net, wet the weighing sling/ bag. Shake off excess water, hang sling on scales and adjust to zero. If you are unsure about the quality of your mat, borrow the anglers next door as well and put one on top of the other. Take the arms off the landing net DO NOT try to lift fish whilst holding the handle of the landing net. Check all fins are flat before lifting. Lift the fish and net out of the water and onto the mat. Lift fish just off ground, and remove landing net. DO NOT hold the fish by the wrist of the tail and pull the net from under it. Fish should then be lying in the sling. Also, as with any fish, make sure your hands are wet and that any slings and sacks you are using are already wet before handling as the body of a fish has a mucus covering which protects the fish from infection so it's important not to damage this membrane when handling
Photography Time and Weighing
When the photograph time arrives have a friend or nearby angler to take photos. Explain to them how to use the camera. DO NOT try to hold the fish either too high up, or too far away from your body, if the fish kicks you will have little control, and it is a long way to the ground. When you wish to turn the fish round for "the other side" shots, DO NOT try to turn the fish itself around, lay the fish on the mat, cover its eyes with the sling and turn the whole mat around.
Before you start weighing the capture make sure your scales are zeroed. When you transfer the fish to a sling, again make sure that the fish is in the bottom centre of the sling and that its pectoral fins are tucked into the body so that it does not damage its self when you lift it up. Carefully lift the fish no higher off the ground than is necessary.
Fish care
All good anglers should own an anti-bacterial treatment that sterilizes to prevent infection such as Kryston product called (Klin-ik) or Nash Tackle Medi Carp; you should check for damage to mouth, fins and sides and apply medication if required. Once again read instructions for use before applying. When you are fully sure you have performed all these actions to the best of your ability carry the fish back to the lake in the sling, if it is heavy get someone to assist you, better to be safe than sorry. Lower the fish in the sling back into the water move the sling away from the fish's head and let it swim off on its own accord. DO NOT float the mat on the surface then pull the mat from under the fish.
The fish's welfare/safety must come first then and ONLY then will the fish be in a good condition to catch next time.