Anglers have become creative when taking pictures of their catch. Cell phone selfies require one arm and hand to be extended. If you have a fishing buddy for a camera person, you still need 2 hands to properly display your catch.

So, what do you do with your rods? Some anglers used to just drop their rod and reel into the water. That was fine when gear was cheap. Today rods and reels could be worth a thousand dollars. Dropping them into the river is not suggested. Most fishing vests and shirts have a rod holder loop yet rarely do anglers use them. 

Big Fish Rod Biters is also a way that anglers hold their rods. Jaws is in their hands in the rod is in their mouth. The extended rod locked into their mouth extends their smiles. Be careful not to bite down. Any scratches or damage to the rod will cause the rod to fail. 

John Satowski has created a new way of holding both his fish and rod. It’s called the Over the Shoulder Holder. It may take a little practice, but the look is cool, and the rod is safe. This allows John to use both hands on the nice smallmouth bass. 

Trout floating in the bottom of a net are just boring and all look the same. Guys that post these pictures seem to just be Counting Coup and need proof to confirm their catch. If you plan a Catch and Release, laying the fish next to the rod, your hat, or objects is not healthy for the fish. Dirt, gravel, grass, or debris will remove mucus from the fish that will invite bacteria and infection. 

Having the rod in a picture helps to tell the story. A lightweight rod and big fish show a challenge. A homemade rod shows dedication to the sport. Expensive gear says you have a Fat Wallet. 

The best pictures are shots that are creative. The entire fish does not have to be in the shot. Maybe just the tail or head. Get closer to the camera. Try different angles and ideas. Too many fish pictures all look the same. 

Handle your rod!

Montana Grant