If a fish is shocked but not caught, what should be done?

Allowing the fish to recover before releasing it back into the water is the ideal response after a fish has been shocked but not caught. This approach recognizes that electrofishing can temporarily incapacitate fish, but they often recover quite well if given the opportunity to do so.

By allowing the fish to recover, you minimize stress and potential harm caused by handling or removing it from the water unnecessarily. This practice contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem and supports conservation efforts, as it helps ensure that the fish is returned to its environment in a viable state.

Removing the fish from the water immediately could lead to undue stress or injury, while keeping the fish in a bucket until it dies is detrimental and unethical, disregarding proper fish handling protocols. Reporting the incident for tracking purposes is important but secondary to ensuring the immediate welfare of the fish.