A concept that’s hard to grasp for many non-anglers and even anglers from places where food is in short supply: you’ve spent so much time and effort catching the fish – only to throw it back into the water? However, catch-and-release makes a lot of sense, even for areas where anglers depend on their catch as a food source. And no, the fish you release isn’t going to die anyway: fish tagging studies prove that most fish released by anglers have surprisingly high survival chances. If you do it right, that is.
In recent years, catch and release has become a go-to practice for anglers who want to enjoy the thrill of the sport while helping to maintain healthy fish populations. But catch and release isn’t as simple as just letting a fish go after reeling it in. To truly support fish survival, anglers need to master a few essential techniques for handling fish, removing hooks, and releasing them safely. This guide will give you the tools you need to practice catch and release effectively, helping to ensure a strong, sustainable fishery for years to come.
Why Practice Catch and Release?
Catch and release has a significant impact on sustaining fish populations, especially in areas with heavy fishing pressure. While many anglers practice it to protect the environment, it also ensures that others can enjoy the same fishing experiences in the future. Additionally, many fisheries, especially for sensitive species, have specific regulations requiring catch and release. Mastering this skill helps you comply with local regulations, contribute to conservation, and feel good knowing you’re playing a part in preserving aquatic ecosystems.
Essential Tools for Catch and Release
To practice catch and release effectively, start with the right equipment. This gear helps reduce handling time and minimizes harm to the fish:
– Barbless Hooks: Using barbless hooks or crimping the barbs on your standard hooks can make it easier to remove them with minimal damage to the fish.
– Circle Hooks: These are designed to hook fish in the mouth instead of the gut, which reduces the risk of internal injury.
– Landing Net: A rubber or knotless landing net helps avoid damaging the fish’s protective slime coat.
– Long-Nose Pliers or Hook Removers: These tools allow you to quickly remove hooks while keeping your hands at a safe distance from the fish.
– Measuring Tape and Scale: Choose soft-tape or cloth measuring devices if you need to measure your catch. Avoid weighing fish that you plan to release unless absolutely necessary.
Proper Handling Techniques
Handling fish correctly is crucial for their survival after release. Follow these tips to minimize stress and injury:
– Keep the Fish in the Water: If possible, avoid lifting the fish out of the water. This reduces the chances of damaging its gills and slime coat. It is especially important when handling bigger fish, such as sturgeon or tuna: out of the water, their internal organs may collapse under the weight of their own body.
– Wet Your Hands: When you need to touch the fish, wet your hands first. Dry hands can strip away the fish’s slime coat, which protects it from infections.
– Support the Fish: Use both hands to support the fish, with one hand around the base of the tail and the other gently under the belly. Avoid squeezing, as it can cause internal injuries.
– Limit Exposure: If you must take a photo, have everything ready beforehand. Aim to keep the fish out of the water for no more than 10 seconds. A general rule is “keep ‘em wet,” which not only preserves the fish’s health but also looks great in photos.
Removing the Hook
Removing the hook is often the trickiest part of catch and release. Here’s how to do it efficiently and safely:
– Assess the Hook’s Position: If the hook is caught on the fish’s lip or mouth, removing it will be easy. If it’s deeper, proceed carefully. Circle hooks often make it easier to release fish unharmed, as they tend to hook in the mouth.
– Use Hook Removers or Pliers: Use your pliers or a hook remover to back the hook out gently. If the hook is too deeply embedded, it’s better to cut the line as close to the hook as possible and leave it in place. Most hooks rust and break down over time, allowing the fish to survive.
– Avoid “Jerking” the Hook Out: Jerking or pulling too hard may cause significant injury. Instead, use a gentle twisting motion with your pliers or fingers to free it.
– Swallowed? Just cut the line: Only remove the hook if you can see it, that is, if it is stuck in the fish’s mouth. Sometimes the fish may swallow the hook. In this case, don’t try to jerk it out – you will only damage the stomach. Just cut the line as short as you can, and let the fish out – studies prove that a fish has surprisingly high chances of survival.
The Release
Once the hook is out, it’s time to send the fish on its way. Here are the steps to ensure it swims off healthy and strong:
– Hold the Fish Upright in the Water: Gently cradle the fish just below the surface, holding it upright until it starts to swim on its own. This helps the fish regain its balance and oxygen levels.
– Revive the Fish if Necessary: If the fish appears lethargic, move it slowly back and forth in the water. This movement pushes water over its gills, helping it to recover. Don’t let go until the fish shows clear signs of strength.
– Release in Safe Water: Let the fish swim away in calm water. Avoid releasing it near rocky or heavily vegetated areas where it might get caught or injured in its weakened state.
What to Avoid
Catch and release is most effective when you avoid practices that can injure fish unnecessarily. Here’s a list of what not to do:
– Don’t Lift Fish by the Gills or Jaw: This can lead to broken jaws, gill damage, and even death. Always support the fish’s body with both hands.
– Avoid Heavy Handling: Handling fish too much can cause damage and stress. The less you touch it, the better.
– Don’t Release Weak Fish into Strong Currents: Weak fish can get swept away or disoriented in strong currents, making them easy targets for predators.
– Avoid Fishing in Extremely Warm Water: Many fish struggle in high temperatures, as warm water holds less oxygen. During summer, fish early in the morning or late in the evening when the water is cooler.
Catch and Release for the Future
Catch and release isn’t just a technique; it’s a way to ensure the future of recreational fishing. It’s up to us as anglers to follow best practices and take responsibility for our impacts on fish populations. With thoughtful handling and a little preparation, we can enjoy the sport we love while helping to maintain the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems. So it’s a good idea to catch and release the fish even if you are allowed to keep them.
In this case, we come to another tricky question: which fish or when to release, and when not? Sometimes you don’t have this option: the fishing regulations for certain species, locations, and seasons insist that you let each of the fish go. In other instances, some invasive species need to be killed. But if you do have a choice, how do you decide which fish to release, and which to keep?
When to Let Go (And When Not)?
Here is an algorithm (hey, what do you expect from guys who make their living from websites? Of course we love algorithms!) that will help you make the decision on whether to kill or release the fish you’ve caught. It comes down to five yes-no questions:
- Do fishing regulations tell you explicitly to release (or, in some cases, to kill) this fish?
Yes – Follow the regulations.
No – Answer Question 2:
- Are you going to eat this fish?
No – Release
Yes – Answer Question 3.
- Was the fish, as you fought it, damaged so badly that it isn’t likely to survive?
Yes – Kill
No – Answer Question 4
- Do you think this species, in this location, is overfished and needs a break to recover its numbers?
Yes – Release
No – Answer Question 5.
- Does this fish look like it’s nearing the end of its natural lifespan?
Yes – Kill
No – Release
This tip is based on a blog by Scotty Kyle, a passionate angler and ichthyologist who has been catching, tagging, and releasing fish in South Africa for several decades, as part of his scientific research. Click here to read his blog with more insights into ethical and environmental aspects of catch-and-release.
Ready to Practice Catch and Release?
Every angler starts somewhere, and even seasoned pros learn something new every season. Ready to try your hand at catch and release? Book a guided fishing trip through BaitYourHook.com. Our experienced captains and guides are knowledgeable in sustainable fishing practices, including catch and release. They can help you learn and apply these techniques, so you can be confident that every fish you release has the best chance to survive and thrive.
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