Bonking a fish

[Achin'Acres]

I've never dispatched a salmon or steelhead. Should I get one on when I'm not with another skilled fisherperson, how do I do this humanely? I've read they experience pain.

 

[Hinotori]

I've never dispatched a salmon or steelhead. Should I get one on when I'm not with another skilled fisherperson, how do I do this humanely? I've read they experience pain.

Hubby says after you make sure it's a legal salmon, stun it in the head with a fish club, then cut out the gills on both sides so it bleeds out.

They are very particular here on which salmon can be kept, depending on species, time of year, wild or hatchery hatched (adipose fin is removed on hatchery released). Only barbless circle hooks allowed in the river. It's a bit different if you're in the ocean on a boat.