Marc Petitjean Releaser

Marc Petitjean Releaser is a line-guided fly-fishing hook removal tool designed to release a fish while it remains in the water, without needing to hold it in your hands. The tippet is introduced securely into the tool, allowing the Releaser to follow the leader directly towards the fly.

The Marc Petitjean fish releaser offers a practical method of no-touch fish release for anglers who regularly return trout and grayling. Draw the tippet gently towards you and slide the tool along it. When the Releaser reaches the fly, its head is designed to unseat the hook so the fish can swim away without being lifted from the water.
Unlike a basic open-ended disgorger, the Releaser incorporates a secure tippet guide that helps prevent the line from dropping out during use. Its integral shock-absorbing spring also cushions some of the movement if the fish shakes or turns as the tool approaches.
The MP Releaser available from troutcatchers, is suitable for beginners, experienced river anglers, competition anglers and regular catch-and-release fishers. Beginners should practise introducing and releasing the tippet before using it on a live fish. Once familiar, the process is quick and requires very little manipulation of either the fish or fly.
Its principal advantage over forceps is that the fish may be released without being gripped, handled or necessarily lifted clear of the water. Forceps should still be carried for hooks that are awkwardly positioned or cannot be released promptly.

Marc Petitjean Releaser key features and benefits

• Guides directly down the tippet towards the fly.
• Retains the tippet securely during normal use.
• Designed to release the hook while the fish remains in the water.
• Reduces the need to hold the fish in your hands.
• Helps limit unnecessary air exposure during release.
• Sprung front section cushions sudden movement from the fish.
• The tippet can be disengaged with a flick of the wrist if the fish makes another run.
• Suitable for right- or left-handed operation.
• Useful for river, reservoir, small-stillwater and boat fishing.
• A practical alternative to handling every fish with forceps.

Marc Petitjean Releaser top tips for no-touch fish release

• Practise loading and releasing a spare length of tippet before taking the tool fishing.
• Use single barbless flies wherever fishery rules and your fishing circumstances permit; they normally release more cleanly than barbed hooks.
• Bring the fish under control before introducing the tippet into the tool.
• Keep the fish submerged and maintain gentle, steady contact with the leader.
• Slide the Releaser towards the hook rather than pulling the fish forcefully towards the tool.
• Avoid excessive leader tension, particularly when using fine tippet.
• If the fish turns or begins another run, flick the tippet out of the guide and regain control before trying again.
• Do not persist if the hook is deeply set or awkwardly positioned. Use forceps where appropriate or cut the tippet close to the fly if that is the safer option.
• Rinse and dry the tool after use, especially following brackish or saltwater exposure.
• Carry it somewhere immediately accessible rather than buried inside a tackle bag. Ideally on a fly fishing zinger.

Best fishing situations for the Marc Petitjean Releaser

• Small rivers and streams when releasing wild brown trout or grayling beside the bank.
• Larger rivers where the fish can be brought under control in a quieter margin.
• Reservoir and small-stillwater fishing for stocked rainbow and brown trout.
• Boat fishing where the fish can be brought safely alongside.
• Dry-fly fishing with a single, readily accessible fly.
• Single-nymph and Euro-nymphing arrangements.
• Buzzer and wet-fly fishing, with additional care required when using multi-fly casts.
• Small, single-hook streamer fishing where the hook remains accessible.
• Clear or warm water where reducing handling and air exposure is particularly worthwhile.
• Catch-and-release fisheries where most or all fish are returned.

Marc Petitjean Releaser FAQ

Can the Marc Petitjean Releaser release a trout without touching it?
Yes. When the fish is correctly hooked, under control and within reach, the tool can release it while it remains submerged and without the angler holding it.

Is the Petitjean Releaser intended for barbless hooks?
Marc Petitjean advocates single barbless hooks, and the tool will generally release these more easily. The manufacturer does not publish a guaranteed range of compatible barbed hooks, so barbless or properly debarbed flies are recommended.

What happens if the fish makes another run?
A flick of the wrist allows the tippet to leave the guide. The angler can then regain normal control before reintroducing the tippet and attempting the release again.

Does the MP Releaser replace fishing forceps?
Not completely. The Releaser is intended for quick, line-guided release of readily accessible hooks. Forceps remain important for awkward hook positions and circumstances where the tool cannot remove the fly promptly.

Is it suitable for dry flies, nymphs and streamers?