Proper Salmon Reviving Method - Pier Fishing

[Boatless]

I have observed salmon catch and release from piers but wondered what is the best method to ensure maximum survival.

At the west tributary pier, I have seen the salmon simply thrown back into the water - the salmon floats for a few minutes and most of the time, they seem to revive themselves and swim away. But I have seen salmon just float and struggle on its side - I assume that they would eventually die?

One time, I saw a fisher carry the salmon off the pier onto the rocks to the water and revive the salmon by hand. This method seems the most likely to be successful but the water is not quickly and easily accessible from all the different positions on the pier.

Please let me know what you do to C&R salmon while fishing from a pier - just in case I actually catch one this season. Thank you,