Catch-and-release fishing is a cornerstone of sustainable angling. It is more than just letting a fish go; it’s a mindful practice that prioritizes the well-being of the fish and the health of the ecosystem. Whether you are a seasoned angler or new to the sport, these best practices will help ensure the fish you catch swim on to fight another day.

Why Catch and Release?

• Conservation: By releasing fish unharmed, you’re contributing to the long-term health of fish populations. This is especially crucial for species with slow growth rates or those facing environmental pressures.
• Thrill of the Fight: Catch-and-release allows you to experience the excitement of battling a fish without depleting resources.
• Today’s Keeper = Tomorrow’s Trophy: Releasing a fish gives them the opportunity to grow and in a balanced ecosystem they can develop into a future trophy catch.
• It Works!:  At a local lake, we had caught and released a largemouth bass we named “Lazy” over many times over 4 years.  Each time we caught Lazy she was healthy and grew larger as she neared trophy size.
  

Equipment for Responsible Catch and Release

• Circle Hooks: These hooks are designed to lodge in the corner of a fish’s mouth, making release easier and reducing injury.
• Barbless Hooks: Removing barbless hooks is quick and less traumatic for the fish. If you’re using barbed hooks, consider crimping the barb with pliers.
• Knotless Landing Nets: These nets are softer on fish scales and fins, minimizing damage.
• Dehooking Tools: Having needle-nose pliers or a de-hooker on hand can speed up the release process and reduce stress on the fish.

For more information see our articles about fishing hooks: Hooks for Live Bait Fishing and $3 Improved Fishing Hook Remover where we discuss a fun DIY project.

Best Practices on the Water

1. Be Prepared: Familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations and species-specific handling guidelines. Have all your gear ready to minimize the time the fish is out of the water.
2. Handle with Care: Wet your hands before touching the fish to protect its delicate slime coating. Support the fish horizontally, avoiding pressure on its belly. Never hold a fish vertically by the jaw.
3. Work Quickly: Minimize air exposure and handling time. Ideally, keep the fish in the water while removing the hook.
4. Revive and Release: If a fish seems lethargic, gently hold it upright in the water facing the current, moving it back and forth until it regains strength and swims away on its own.
5. Consider Barbless Lures: Some artificial lures come with barbless hooks, making them ideal for catch-and-release fishing.  You can also replace barbed hooks with barbless to increase fish release success.
6. Know When to Keep: If a fish is deeply hooked or severely injured, consider keeping it within legal limits. This is more humane than releasing it with little chance of survival.

Additional Tips

• Fight the Fish Quickly: The longer a fish fights, the more lactic acid builds up in its muscles, making recovery harder.
• Target Healthy Fish: During spawning season, focus on catching species that are less vulnerable and leave the spawning fish to complete their cycle.
• Release Deepwater Fish with Care: Fish caught from deep water can experience barotrauma (swim bladder expansion) when brought to the surface. Consider venting tools or descending devices.

See our article: Ethical Fish Handling for more information on catch and release fishing.

Summary

Every fish released today is an investment in the future of the sport we love. By treating our catches with care and respect, we can enjoy the thrill of angling while preserving these precious natural resources for generations to come.  Today’s Keeper can become Tomorrow’s Trophy.

There are many articles on Thrillfishing.com that can be very helpful for the angler to learn and become more productive on the water. 

Tight lines …  Captain P.