How to use a Trout Stomach Pump

Using a stomach pump can be a very effective tool for the angler or fly fishing wanting to match the hatch. Before you use a stomach pump you need to be confident in your entomology and ability to identify the insects on the water and match them to the best fly patterns in your fly box. If you don't know your bugs, taking a stomach sample isn't going to do you much good! We always recommend that you seine the water first, using a tool like the River Oracle Sci-Fly Seine. These easy to use tools will typically give you all the hatch information you need without stressing the fish. If you have already sampled the water and are still having a hard time identifying what the fish are eating, go ahead and break out your stomach pump.

So as not to harm the fish we recommend only using a stomach pump if the following conditions are met:
1. The trout you are planning to pump is at least 12 inches long.
2. The trout has not been over-played or exhausted while bringing it to hand.
3. The water temperature is nice and cold, allowing the fish to quickly recover after the sample has been taken.

If