Hold it over the side for a moment or two with its head into the current, then let go.t. Fish are hardier than you think. Most will survive. Over the years, I've caught salmon that had their jaws in 3 pieces and some even missing eyes. Some I've released come floating back up but when I circle & just touch them with the net, they flip over & scoot back down. Somehow the great majority survive.
Tom B.
(LongLine)