LESSON #1 -Don’t kill the fish. Obviously, it would be a lot easier to simply hold fish underwater or tire them out excessivly prior to release. However, ”over tiring” the fish increases mortality rates. I must admit, with shame, that I accidently over stressed the first fish I shot with this camera. And, I had to creel the rainbow trout and eat it for supper. In doing so, I also realized that a tired, floating fish makes for a less interesting subject.
LESSON #2 – Related to Lesson #1, having a partner helps…a lot. As one person releases the fish, the other person has already submerged the camera and is ready for the shot as the fish departs. Or, as you play the fish, your partner can try to take a few shots as you try to land the fish. Now, this can be a game of numbers (you may need to catch and release many fish). And, many shots will simply consist of a tail as the fish darts to freedom. However, I’ve found that releasing the fish gently into moving water sometimes results in a more calm departure. In fact, some fish stick around for a few minutes and allow various shots from different angles prior to speeding off to safer grounds.
LESSON #3 - Good light, as with all photography, is critical. But, I have not been successful with flash underwater on this camera as it tends to overexpose the picture. And, unfortunately, fish do not seem to appreciate the challenge of light. Instead, trout like to dart for the nearest dark space immediately upon release. So, you have a choice, release the fish into a sunny spot and watch it quickly leave. Or, release it in a shady area and suffer from a poor picture. As with all good things in life, effort is required.
For my next excursion, I am going to work a bit on trying to “steady my hands” underwater with a makeshift mono-pod to help eliminate some of the blurry images. The fish are already moving, shaky hands do not help.
Brook Trout Heading for Cover