Lamson

Ketchum Release®

$1999
Taxes, discounts and shipping calculated at checkout.

Fish saver!

Our breakout product in the fly fishing industry, years ago, we thought: “There’s got to be a better way to remove a delicately-tied fly from a hooked fish than the hoisting, clamping, and wrenching process now on display.”

So we created a simply innovative tool capable of reducing fish mortality by eliminating netting and handling—then named it after our home-base of Ketchum, Idaho. This technique will preserve protective coatings and eliminate air exposure.

The Ketchum Release® tool makes low-mortality release easy, plus allows you to retrieve your fly without damage. It even keeps your hands high and dry.

Available Sizes:  Standard/Original, Midge

The Ketchum Release® comes in three sizes, each matched to hook ranges:
  • Big Bug — for hook sizes 6–10 (Green handle) 
  • Standard / Original — for hook sizes 12–16 (Black handle) 
  • Midge — for hook sizes 18–22 (Blue handle) 
Notes:
 The large modern beadhead patterns may require sizing up, even if the hook size is smaller.


Materials & Build:

The Big Bug version as made from carbon fiber thermo‑composite and weighing 22.68 g.


Why Anglers Use It:

  • Lower fish mortality through reduced handling and air exposure.
  • No‑touch release protects fish slime layers and reduces stress.
  • Fly protection—gentler on delicate patterns than traditional tools.
  • Convenience—quick release, dry hands, and easy fly retrieval. 

Choosing the Right Size:

If you typically fish:
  • Large streamers or big nymphs → Big Bug
  • General trout flies → Standard / Original
  • Tiny midges → Midge