Check out cookingandfishing.com/ - use code PRESEASON for 10% off now until 5/4/24!

@johnradomskijr9252

19 күн бұрын

Could you please send me a link to the 3 gallon freshwater washdown pump review that you did thank you so much appreciate your time

@CookingandFishing

19 күн бұрын

@@johnradomskijr9252 Here you go - kzread.info/dash/bejne/rGyj0sGLhrWompc.html

This is so eye opening. My friend always out fish me with the size and numbers. His rig is always fish finder rig since he just can't tie line to line for the leader. It makes a great sense why he usually get an outstanding result, the bait/gulp suspend and sink very naturally with that rig.

@CookingandFishing

4 күн бұрын

You will easily outfish your friend if you employ the light single jig :)

Could not agree more with this technique. My brother was a fishing guide and a fluke guide taught him this deadly method that out-catches even the most seasoned flounder fisherman on a slow day. I was taught as a boy to drown a mud minnow on a Carolina rig and wait...and wait some more. I've found this deadly jig head method works well with live minnows also but I prefer Gulp to deter the crabs from bothering my bait. It covers more ground and once you find where they are located it's pure money. I don't use a boat either.

@CookingandFishing

10 ай бұрын

Yup, and there's a million ways to work a jig, this is pretty specific.

This is the year we get Double Digit fish from shore. I committed to single jig fluke fishing last summer from boat and shore. Absolute game changer. Also controlling the fall of a plain jig is so much fun.. Respect…..

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

100%!

@scottschlemmer4787

Жыл бұрын

I fish the slack edges around certain piers when the current is blowing bait fish buy. Nothing like it when a fluke slams a jig. Cant wait.

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

@@scottschlemmer4787 Classic scenario - sometimes you can just feel you're about to get bushwhacked when your jig travels from current into a calm little pocket lol

@joshgordon2484

10 ай бұрын

Is that a bay or ocean beach, please?

This is great. Your one of very few who actually explains things properly. It’s a huge help. Helped me tighten up my game -- And nerd out at the same time. Looking forward to 23’!

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!! Some fairly technical videos coming up!

Thanks, very nicely put!

Just caught a 23” and 22” today out back using this method before the weather chased me away. Thanks for the tip, it’s a game changer.

@CookingandFishing

8 ай бұрын

Excellent!! 2 days left in the season too - very nice :)

Yay, time to rig up the Labrax and stock up on 6” jerk shads! Great to see you kicking off the fluking videos again.

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Haha thanks Mike!!

Looking forward to getting out…thank you for the refresher!

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

YW - thank you!

Hey Roger. I followed your technique last year, purchased the rod and lure setup you recommended and caught my limit of fluke in one outing! Thank you!

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Haha that's awesome - great job!!

@tristanh8

Жыл бұрын

What setup did you get??

@rbuenafe100

Жыл бұрын

@@tristanh8 I used the Tatula Elite 7'4 Versalite 3/16 to 1/2 oz. 1/4 oz jig head and 6" jerk shad.

Lfg so pumped for the season to come!

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Just around the corner - can't wait!

I’m a headstrong hi-lo rigger….I have my reasons…I admit the main 1 being I’m a chick who’s easily enticed by all the pretty color combos of spro bucktails and teasers but you’re logical analysis here has swayed me to consider finally switching things up. Thing is, anything light weight freaks me out. I know one doesn’t need to cast far to land em but w/ lightweight rigs I struggle to even make it to the trench lol and I lack control of cast direction it’s embarrassinggggg and in my head I feel like I look like some dumb broad who doesn’t know what she’s doing OOF! (Some more rationale for my 1oz bucktail addiction) Welp I’m gonna check out your other vids on how to work this setup, walk on down to the beach and try to land some keepers thanks!

@CookingandFishing

10 ай бұрын

LOL you like the pretty baubles...I understand! Gear really matters when you're downsizing, I have a few options listed for rods/reels at different budgets in the video description. Braid size matters too - you want 6-8lb US braid or that YGK PE1 I recommend. Using a heavy setup to throw 1/4oz jigs is not going to end well. As for casting/jigging everything takes practice, and when fishing it's important to not give a flying F what anyone thinks! Good luck out there!

Hey Roger, It's Walt just checking in with you. Looking forward to fluke season as usual, been only fluke fishing the raritan bay and sandy hook area for only 68 years. My friend with the cabin in canada had his right knee replaced March 28 and is working hard to be able to go up to cabin by June. Our trip will be in August if all goes well. He his having his left knee done end of October. We always cherish our trip and candidly talk about how many we may have left. Oh, well think positive we say. Ok Roger the best to you and Mark and leave a few for me.... Tight Lines Walt

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Hi Walter! Sorry to hear about your friend's knee, hopefully you can get that trip in later in the Summer - in the meantime we're going to have a GREAT fluke season! Tight lines!

Very nice, great technique. I too use a single hook, and it works great for me. I just get a better feel for the strike.

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

It's a more elegant and effective presentation all around :)

Boy, I'm very happy I stumbled onto your video and channel because I am a sort of minimalist fisherman who became very spoiled as a kid who spent part of his youth in the Bahamas and learned to catch a lot of different varieties off the beaches and inside the creeks. I became accustomed to staying out most of a day with the gear I needed stuffed into a fanny pack. I live inland today and make forays to coastal areas with my unpretentious, adequate gear, so I've learned to respect technique in order to zero in on target species rather than deploy complicated gizmos that may work but which don't excel. Naturally, I love what you've presented here. My question is..., do you have to hit honey holes to pull in fluke like you're doing here, or can you generally fish the jigs in nearby surf and expect reasonable results? Many thanks for this eye-opening video!

@CookingandFishing

9 ай бұрын

Out front the fluke are generally pretty spread out, so you have to cover water on foot to find the patches of fish. When you do get bit work that area for 10-15 minutes - pepper it with casts from different angles etc...but then move on and keep covering water.

@delmonicofarquhar9893

9 ай бұрын

Many thanks for getting back in touch to answer my question. That's exactly what I was hoping to hear, because that's how I like to fish. You're personal research/experience in your videos is very impressive and I know I'll benefit from it, along with many others, I'm sure. Thank you so much for sharing it!!@@CookingandFishing

That's the same philosophy I used for smallmouth fishing in the creeks and rivers of western PA with clear, fast-moving water. The lightest jig head you could get away with, 1/16 - 1/8oz usually. The lighter tackle I went, the better I did, usually. I'll be trying the single jig method for the flounder next trip. I've had decent luck with the single bucktail in the surf, I use the smallest I can get away with too, but it doesn't have that quick action like you are demonstrating in this video. Thanks for the tips.

@CookingandFishing

10 ай бұрын

Yeah generally speaking the lighter the jig the more natural the presentation, though I've run into smallies that wanted something heavy and falling fast to the bottom.

@rocsteadyification

8 ай бұрын

@@CookingandFishing At about 1:50 in the video, what is the tool you’re using to remove the hook? So slick. Thanks

@CookingandFishing

8 ай бұрын

Google the Unhookum Tool@@rocsteadyification

Another great video with tons of helpful info. Thanks. Sure looks like the vast majority of the hits were right before the lip of the trough.

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Yeah that lip is a major structure - often the only edge out there where they can pin something against.

Thanks for making this video.

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Thx roger for the details! Kaiden and I are watching now

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Yesss! Kaiden is the future! lol

@rawrfishing

Жыл бұрын

@@CookingandFishing he already said that fish looks cool and wanna catch one

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

@@rawrfishing we can make that happen very soon!

Outgoing tide is always a plus

@CookingandFishing

10 ай бұрын

Really depends on location and time of year.

Great stuff as always Roger. I find that hi-lo works fine when vertical (on boat)l, but single jigging is the way to go from shore ... stay well. ,, Larry Hartattack

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Larry!

I’m a convert - fun, easy, simple. Gliding/swimming jig above the bottom without unnecessary extra rod action has been a key learning for me…and loading up the hook set properly. Taught my son last year & this year my trout-fishing dad is coming down to NY b/c he wants to learn!

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Excellent! Hoping your dad crushes a shoremat on his first cast haha

Hi. Your approach to this type of fishing is very intelligent and effective. I happen to know the spot you are fishing and it is ideal for this technique. Have you had the same success on open ocean beaches further down the Jersey coast? Particuarly interested in South Jersey beaches where you generally don't have a lip and drop off five feet from shore.

@CookingandFishing

4 ай бұрын

Have caught limit(s) everywhere up and down the coast, south jersey it's all about the conditions...if it's calm you can go lighter, but 1/4oz still gets the job done if you know how to glide the jig.

I've been trying this method for much of this season. I have found this method most effective in skinny calm waters with light wind. I find that far too often there are environmental factors preventing me from being able to effectively deliver the bait or detect strikes and that it absolutely does not weed out shorts or pufferfish or small blues. Maybe its just where i fish? A weight and a dropper loop to a hook and a strip of bait cast out and slowly retrieved has been the best all-around method for catching fluke. That said i find this method to be a very enjoyable way to fish and i got a bunch of keepers the past couple days doing it! Its always good to try different methods in different conditions.

@CookingandFishing

8 ай бұрын

Excellent! Your experience and gear will dictate the conditions you're able to jig in. There's no weeding out blowfish or snappers, but it absolutely catches bigger fluke on average than hi/lo rigs.

At about 1:50 in the video, what is the tool you’re using to remove the hook? So slick. Thanks

Great video ! I appreciate your techniques. What weight jig do you prefer in moderate surf conditions? Thanks again

@CookingandFishing

11 ай бұрын

Thanks!! For almost any conditions that I still choose to fluke in - 1/4oz. Remember the surf can kick up but you're still casting into the same 5-10ft depth.

Thank you

A squid colored tube bait like a Gitzit in white or grey works pretty good. Gitzit makes up to 3/4 ounce insert weights. Bill Hurley makes awesome sand eels, swimtails and curly tails impregnated with real sand eel oil. Very natural coloration. They kill also.

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Everything will work sometimes, but it's not even close compared to gulp. I HATE gulp, but that's just a fact - berkley got lucky and created generations of crackhead fluke. If you look around the channel you'll see I've done some pretty extensive testing on different soft plastics. Now a hard jerkbait...can be a different story. But it's very specific to how the fluke are set up.

Hey man love your videos! I was wondering what state you fish in? That beach looks so good

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

All over - NJ/NY/CT - thanks!

Great content and I've started implementing the single jig more and more. Fishing NC beaches, I'm almost always seeing a pretty large shore break and I'm certainly seeing a lot of bites but missing many. I am sure some of that is "feel" on my end but at times, when this is happening I can move over to the bucktail/teaser rig and start catching as the heavier bait stays in that surf zone a bit easier (waves breaking near the deep ledge right off the beach). I have seen (much like you have said) where the bucktail/teaser rig is not seeing any bites, switch over to the single jig and I got A LOT more bites. Just curious if you see heavier surf or shore breaks and how to deal with the "feel" of the single jig method. Trying to miss less fish!! I'm also planning to try some of those jerk baits when I find some fish balled up in a tighter area (which is usually how it goes on NC beaches and the holes/sloughs I fish)

@CookingandFishing

10 ай бұрын

First, you need the right gear to properly feel that light jig in moving water - freshwater bass tackle is what I use predominantly. If I need more distance I'll use the JDM suzuki rods like my 21 Labrax AGS 90ML - that will throw up to 1/2oz heads + gulp. But generally up here 1/4oz is the heaviest I go when fishing from an open beach. Inlets/jetties I might bump up to 3/8oz if the tide is ripping. The key is preserving that "hang time" with the jig, letting it swim and sometimes if the current is strong enough you can get away with heavier weights since it will still "float" the jig and give it the right action.

@glennplomchok5125

10 ай бұрын

@@CookingandFishing Thank you. Def using lighter tackle as mentioned. Will keep at it and report back!

Awesome video yea I am from the Boston area and would love to take you in that lesson

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

You're a bit far! If you ever come down to the NY/NJ/CT area let me know!

@fishscookseats

Жыл бұрын

@@CookingandFishing that’s sounds awesome… what would be the best dates to meet up I don’t mind the drive and get a camp site

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

@@fishscookseats email me at cookingandfishing1@gmail.com :)

Hey roger nice tutorial videos always! And what do you think about the Century Demon rod ? I need your opinion thanks

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

For that price I'm choosing my Steez 76MML AGS, not that the Demon is a bad rod but it's at least 1 - 2 power heavier than I like for this kind of fishing. And the taper is a bit bouncy, which makes it very versatile I'm sure but it's not as precise as the tip on my Steez. If you're looking at the longer models, I would get the Labrax AGS 86ML for the price they're going for now it's like stealing.

Thanks for all the great info. You are the main reason I've caught all the halibut that I do here in San diego. One question though, why do you choose spinning reels over bait casters when single jigging for halibut? Is there an advantage?

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

That's so cool to hear - I've always wondered how our fluke tactics will work for calibut, glad to see you're having success! The main reason I use spinning gear is peace of mind fishing in sandy surf. They are a lot more forgiving than baitcasters when it comes to saltwater and sand intrusion, and I also find spinning setups more natural to hold when jigging all day. I do prefer baitcasting for jerkbaits, and if I were out west slinging plugs for halibut I'd probably pick up an 8'6 -9'6 Labrax or Lunamis baitcasting rod. You'll see my back bay jerkbaiting videos I'm using my Expride 72ML casting for that stuff.

@akgm

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for answering my question. You and your cousin are the greatest!

There are two scenarios I have found it hard to use when fishing deep inlet(12ft-20ft) like Manasquan off the side. 1- When the tide starts to rip I have issues with it. When tide gets slower towards slack I get success but having a major issue for a lot of the tide. I've tried some heavier jigs but really tough because it seems when retrieving it there are constant big depth changes and the tide is ripping making it hard to keep the jig in the strike zone. 2- I have most success with this jig May-July. When August hits the inlet gets loaded with so much bait that the fluke can't see it. We can pull out big fish in August-Sept but I have to use live bait(I just net them) With that said this jig when it does work for me it has produced much bigger fluke than on average compared to any other bait.

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Dealing with current can be tricky, the key is to always cast up current and jig with the flow. The bottom is just an index for you to use to make sure you're in the strike zone. Stay tuned for some in depth videos on how to fish when your water is inundated with bait!

@vlcthefish

Жыл бұрын

@@CookingandFishing Yeah I think specifically what is happening is say there is a strong incoming tide when you cast out right up current and hit the bottom the tide will be pushing the jig hard to the left but as the jig is going to the left the bottom is also simultaneously slopping down deeper(I was able to confirm with chart). So basically the current is pushing the jig constantly out of the strike zone as it goes down current. Once you do that gliding of the jig for the retrieve it's being pushed to the left with the bottom dropping. Really tricky for me to deal with. Once the tide goes near slack I can work with it.

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

@@vlcthefish Yeah there's a lot of nuance when you're dealing with current + depth changes. Just remember you can't keep the same mechanical jigging motion with your rod in that situation - sometimes you'll pull the jig off a ledge into deeper water and there you can let the jig glide deeper on controlled slack ie drop your rod tip instead of raising it. If you're not comfortable using 1/4oz I would start heavy so you know exactly what kind of bottom contour changes you're dealing with, and ease your way into lighter and lighter jigs. That bottom contact is just for indexing, you don't need to stay there long with the jig at all.

Great video

@CookingandFishing

9 ай бұрын

ty!!

I’ve been having a lot of fun single jigging but sometimes all I can find are shorts stacked up. Do you find the bigger fluke mixed in with shorts or is it better to leave shorts to go find the big ones?

@CookingandFishing

9 ай бұрын

It's hard to say - truly big fluke, fish over 7lbs, in my experience are pretty random creatures. But if you're catching 20 12" fluke in a row and you're looking for keepers, maybe it's time to move and cover more water.

just a quick question about your Major Craft net. Does it only extend all at once or can it be locked in sections for different lengths? Thanks.

@CookingandFishing

4 күн бұрын

All sections drop out as soon as you release the hoop from the handle - you can feather it but yes it's a little awkward if the fish isn't that far down :)

@tedlarrabee9278

3 күн бұрын

Thank you

Roger have you guys ever tried fishing with Salt strong slam series 5” jerk shad ? Lot cheaper than gulp but works like charm in the back bays and rivers! Not sure about oceans though! I highly recommend that product!!

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Nah I've done so much testing over the years anything plastisol (or elaztech for that matter) doesn't even come close to gulp. Sad but true.

@dayamanimahesh6633

Жыл бұрын

@@CookingandFishing Ahh! Gotcha! I caught few last year on those. I haven’t tested it out aggressively though. I bought both gulp and slat strong Shads. My buddy and I are planning to test them out this year ! I can’t wait for your 2023 videos already ! Keep them coming! Cheers 🍻🎣

Great explanation, but I’m curious if these single jigs would still work well with heavier weight in stronger currents and rougher conditions?

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

On a screaming tide in the inlets occasionally I'll bump it up to 5/16 or 3/8oz max - but 99% of the time 1/4oz gets the job done. The 6" jerkshad alone weighs about 1/4 to 5/16oz.

Nice ! What state was that from ? NC cancel our spring season . Gulp and Zman both effective here.

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

That sucks! From what I read NC was the fluke capitol several decades ago, but now the main biomass is off NY...I'm fishing NY/NJ/CT area - Gulp far outfishes Zman around here, it's not even close.

What are your thoughts on the daiwa Morethan Branzino ags 87ml for jigging and jerkbaits from the surf? 🙏

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

I played around with the 87ML Branzino - I wasn't all that impressed. The rod felt weirdly tip heavy, and yes it was slightly more sensitive than my Labrax but not by much. For my money I would choose the 86ML Labrax all day.

Hey awesome videos on fluking from shore. I’m was just wondering if you think the stcroix legend xtreme inshore 7ft medium heavy rated for 1/2oz to 1.25 oz is able to do this kind of fishing? The area i fish at I can’t feel lighter weight.

@CookingandFishing

10 ай бұрын

Once you go over 3/8oz jighead it's a different animal. I'm not a fan of Croix in general, and most "inshore" rods have pretty sloppy tapers. If you already have it give it a shot, if you're looking buy a rod for this technique, I would look elsewhere.

@jayzhang49

10 ай бұрын

@@CookingandFishing I’m pretty abusive with my fishing rods so I stick with stcroix cause of the warranty program. The rods hasn’t come in yet and debating right now if I want to switch to a 7 foot or 76 medium model that is rated for 3/8 to 3/4, instead of the medium heavy. Does the rod length make a big difference for this technique?

@CookingandFishing

10 ай бұрын

@@jayzhang49 If you're stuck on St Croix yeah I would get the medium for sure

Do you rig with the hook coming out of the slit/belly side or out of the flat side? Ever try Zman jerk shad?

@CookingandFishing

10 ай бұрын

If it's straight it doesn't matter, but if there's a curve I prefer the tail curving down after rigging. Zman pales in comparison to gulp, even if you use procure - it's not even close.

Hi, when you fish inshore at a place where there's a lot of seaweed under the water, do you use this same set up or a different rig? Thank you.

@CookingandFishing

10 ай бұрын

Yeah same rig - most weeds float near the surface and if you cast into the current and let your jig flow with the current that will mitigate a lot vegetation. Spots where the weed are thick right on the bottom aren't great fluke habitat in my experience - usually shallow with very little current.

@defenghou

10 ай бұрын

@@CookingandFishingthanks so much for your detailed answer!

What color jig heads work best in the surf? and what size on the hooks?

@CookingandFishing

5 ай бұрын

The jighead is listed in the description.

Excellent Channel. Subbed & Liked. Tight Lines

@CookingandFishing

11 ай бұрын

ty!!!

Hey brother, who makes the hook remover, it looks easy on the fish

@CookingandFishing

11 ай бұрын

google unhookum tool!

So it looks like the fish are right in the wash? I'm moving to Hatteras and I guessing flounder in NJ Delaware are the same habit wise as a fish in NC?

@CookingandFishing

10 ай бұрын

I wouldn't know but I would think so - sometimes they set up in the wash, sometimes they follow your jig in and eat it at the wash. Either way on many beaches the lip is the major structure and edge around - fish will use it to feed.

Can you send me the link that teaches this teachnique and what lures/baits to use? Going down the rabbit hole of your vid’s, thanks for the tips!!

@CookingandFishing

10 ай бұрын

All the gear/tackle should be listed in the description - I have many videos on the channel dedicated to single jigging. The actual teaching is in the form of 1on1 private lessons, and you can email or DM me for details on those.

What are your thoughts on a jerk shad rigged drop-shot style? Looking for something easy to introduce my wife and friends into fluke fishing with, almost a cast and slow retrieve if you will.

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

For complete beginners just tie a chicken rig - dropper loop up top and a sinker on the bottom. You can work the jerkshad/grub the same way - pop and glide, rather than rapid jiggling. I'm not a fan of DS for fluke bc they don't require that degree of finesse and they do have sharp teeth that can fray your DS knot/leader.

how long of a leader you tie and do you ever go up from 12 lb test?

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Either 4ft or so with the connection knot outside the tip guide, or 8-9ft with the knot between my reel and the stripper guide. 12lb is the max I go from shore, oftentimes I'm running 10 esp if I'll be switching it up with the jerkbait, if I'm throwing 1/2oz+ from a boat I'll bump it to 14 just for the extra shock absorption on hard casts.

What are you using for the de hooker? That seems like a great tool for deep gut hooked fish .

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

Google the "unhookum tool" - though it's not for gut hooked fish...just semi-deep where you can't reach the jighead by hand but don't want to go digging around with pliers.

@jameshartman814

Жыл бұрын

Than you sir

I’ve checked the description links but can’t find it Can you tell me what dehooker that is thanks !

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

here you go - www.unhookum.com/order_direct.html

@ChrisBhris222

Жыл бұрын

@@CookingandFishing awesome thank you !

does it go by any other name? i am trying to an image on google for what rig setup should look like

@CookingandFishing

9 ай бұрын

It's not a rig, it's just a jighead - loop knot to 12lb fluoro leader, Alberto knot to PE1 braid.

Hello! What is that tool you use to remove the hook?

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

You can get it here - www.unhookum.com/order_direct.html

@unkledoobz9662

Жыл бұрын

Thank you

What hook remover tool do you use?

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

unhookum tool.

what line weight and what size or type of jig heads?

@CookingandFishing

10 ай бұрын

Everything listed in description.

What kind of hook remover is that?

@CookingandFishing

11 ай бұрын

Unhookum tool

Where do you give lessons out of??

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

NJ/NY - email me cookingandfishing1@gmail.com if you want more details!

What state is this?

where are you located? is this in the northeast?

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

yup

That voice has to be John Skinner

Man, I wish you would stop dragging the flounders that you're not going to keep on the sand like that as doing so would only pull out all of the protective slimes that the fish need for their protection from diseases! Good video anyway!

@CookingandFishing

10 ай бұрын

I mean what would you have me do, bring a net onto the beach? Lay down a landing mat like they do for carp? I try my best to keep them in the wet sand and minimize handling. Almost every fluke in these videos could've gone into the cooler but I don't keep fish anymore.

Awesome angling. Why don't you show more respect to the fish you put back though. I've watched you throw & kick these beautiful fish back instead of making a proper release. It lets you down buddy.

@CookingandFishing

Жыл бұрын

I was waiting for this comment lol - just FYI I never kick the fish, rather I dig under the sand behind the fish for a gentle flip back towards the wash line. I'd rather do that than grab them with my hands if I can help it, since removing their slime (and choking them around the gills) does way more harm than a gentle flick back in the water. A "gentle" hand release doesn't equal a successful one. I know it looks bad on film, but I assure you I try my best to get clean releases on all my fish - keeping them on wet sand, repeatedly dunking them if I'm measuring/documenting a noteworthy fish, and releasing hundreds of keepers over the course of a season that I could've otherwise kept.