EP 918 - Tom Rowland | Tom Rowland Podcast

How do you properly release a bonefish, tarpon, or permit to maximize its chances of survival? Tom Rowland breaks down proper fish handling and release techniques in this How to Tuesday episode, drawing on expert guidance from Florida Keys guide Richard Black. This episode reveals why these fish are far more delicate than most anglers realize, the critical mistakes that kill fish even after they swim away, and the specific handling techniques that dramatically improve survival rates. Tom explains the dangers of prolonged air exposure, the right way to support a fish's body weight, and why what happens in those final seconds before release matters more than you think.

Why Fish Are More Delicate Than You Think

Most anglers underestimate just how fragile gamefish really are. Tom opens this episode by acknowledging that for years, the fishing community didn't fully understand the impact of improper handling on fish survival. Recent conversations and research have revealed that tarpon, bonefish, and permit are significantly more delicate than previously thought. What seems like a successful release—watching a fish swim away strong—doesn't always mean survival. Tom references discussions with experts and guides who have observed fish dying hours or days after release due to handling mistakes made during the catch. The conversation is shifting toward better practices, and this episode aims to give anglers the specific techniques they need to improve survival rates. Tom introduces the topic and Richard Black's expert guidance at 00:00.

Richard Black's Release Technique Breakdown

Florida Keys guide Richard Black provides a masterclass in fish handling through video examples that Tom walks through step by step. The footage shows Richard working with bonefish in shallow water, demonstrating the ideal approach from the moment the fish comes to hand until it swims away. Richard keeps the fish completely submerged, uses wet hands to avoid removing the protective slime coat, and supports the fish's body weight horizontally rather than vertically. Tom emphasizes that these aren't just suggestions—they're critical protocols that directly impact whether a fish survives after release. The video captures details that many anglers miss, including how Richard positions his hands, how long he keeps the fish in recovery, and the specific cues he watches for before letting go. The detailed breakdown of Richard Black's technique begins at 02:15.

The Critical Mistakes That Kill Fish

Tom identifies the specific handling errors that dramatically reduce fish survival, even when anglers think they're doing everything right. Lifting fish out of the water for photos causes immediate stress and potential organ damage, especially for larger species like tarpon. Holding fish vertically by the jaw or tail puts dangerous pressure on their internal organs and spine. Keeping fish out of the water for extended periods—even just 30 seconds to a minute—can cause respiratory distress that proves fatal hours later. Tom also addresses the temptation to rush the release, explaining that letting a fish go before it's fully recovered often results in the fish sinking or swimming erratically, making it easy prey for sharks and barracuda. The key is patience and reading the fish's body language to know when it's truly ready. Tom breaks down the deadly mistakes at 04:30.

How to Know When a Fish Is Ready for Release

The moment of release is where many well-intentioned anglers make their final mistake. Tom explains that you can't just assume a fish is ready after a certain amount of time—you have to watch for specific recovery signals. Richard Black's technique involves moving the fish forward gently to push water through its gills, which helps oxygenate the blood and restore equilibrium. The fish will begin to show signs of strength, attempting to kick away or stabilize itself. When the fish gives a strong, deliberate kick, that's the signal it's ready. Tom stresses that if you let go too early, the fish may sink or become disoriented, leaving it vulnerable to predators. Conversely, holding on too long can cause additional stress. The art is in reading those final moments and releasing only when the fish tells you it's recovered. The signs of a fish ready for release are covered at 08:45.

Final Thoughts from Tom

This is one of those episodes that changes how you fish. For years, I thought I was doing everything right when releasing fish, but the more I've learned from guides like Richard Black and conversations with experts, the more I realize how much room there is for improvement. The difference between a fish that survives and one that doesn't often comes down to just a few seconds of decision-making during the release.

What struck me most about Richard's technique is how deliberate it is. There's no rushing, no guessing—just careful observation and patience. He's watching for those specific cues that tell him the fish is ready, and he won't let go until he sees them. That's the level of care we should all be bringing to every release, whether it's a bonefish, a tarpon, or any other species we're targeting.

If you care about conservation and want to make sure the fish you catch have the best chance of survival, this episode is required listening. The techniques Richard demonstrates aren't complicated, but they make all the difference. Watch the video, study the details, and put these practices into action on your next trip. This one's worth your time.