Re: How much mud is too much?
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It's probably fine.
A fish's slime coat helps protect it from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections and some external parasites. The slime coat also helps the fish osmoregulate since its blood is saltier than the water. When a fish is on a dry or absorbent surface, like lawn grass or pavement, it's slime coat is disturbed and the fish is open to all types of infections.
That's why only a rank-amateur would hold a fish in a towel (I've seen someone do that) or even handle them with dry hands.
If the fish was out of the water briefly and then landed in wet mud, it's likely the fish survived his encounter and is stalking the river as we speak.
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"The fish you release may be a gift to another, as it may have been a gift to you." -Lee Wulf
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