Home Forums Fishing Freshwater Handling of fish

Lately in watching outdoor shows on tv I notice the majority of anglers handle their fish before releasing them. A few years ago there was all kinds of commentary to the effect that this shouldn't be done as it was supposedly harmful to the fish. What changed? I am seriously curious. Does anyone have any ideas?

Jim

P.S. I am referring to handling the sides of fish where supposedly a protective coating was going to be removed if fish were handled in this way.