Everyone knows the fish care rules. Hardly anyone knows why, and the why is what makes you do it at 3am when you're knackered The slime coat is the fish's armour against infection, dry hands and a dry mat strip it straight off. Out of the water the gills collapse and stick together so it can't breathe, and the stress hormones go through the roof. Warm day, worse again. Back in the water it needs a minute held upright to get its breath back before it's ready to go. So mat soaked before you cast, hands wet, camera ready before the net comes up, and hold it till it kicks. Send this to the one who lifts them with dry hands. #carpfishing #fishcare #carpangler #carpfishinguk #brothercarp