Jun
25
Catch and Release
June 25, 2007 |
There are many reasons to use the “catch and release” technique while fishing:
· Catch and release because - The increasing popularity of recreational fishing has led to the problem of too many anglers, not enough fish
· Catch and release because – It’s important to catch as many fish as possible, as it helps you to improve your techniques towards catching that big fish we all dream of.
Releasing the fish allows it to grow, so maybe the next time it’s caught it’ll be the fish of your dreams
· Catch and release because - It offers a sensible way to extend the fishing trip after a reasonable or legal catch limit has been reached
· Catch and release because – Be kind to the sea, the sea will be kind to you J
There are many reasons to Catch and release, but choosing to do so is not enough.
You don’t want to release a dead or dying fish, so there are a few things to consider while using that technique, to help improve your fish’s chance of survival once released back into the water:
- Try to land the fish as quickly as possible
The longer you fight the fish, the more exhausted it gets and it lessons its chance to survive.
(It would be a shame to release the fish just to see it taken by another predator J ) - Do not let fish flop about in shallow water, on the ground, or in the bottom of your boat
- Try to avoid using a landing net. If you must, use landing nets made with soft or knotless mesh
- DON’T USE A GAFF
- Removing the hook carefully is most important
- Remove the hook quickly, keeping the fish underwater
- Use long nose pliers to back the hook out, back it out the opposite way it went in
- If the hook is very deep within the fish or it can’t be removed quickly, cut the leader close to the fish’s mouth and let it go. It still got a fair chance to survive
(because of situations like that it’s better to se steel hooks that will eventually rust out) - If the fish is bleeding form the gills, it is likely to die and you better keep it
- Try to reduce the handling of the fish
- Leave the fish in the water as much as possible during the release
- If you must handle the fish, try to use a wet towel
- Keep your hands wet. It helps to prevent removal of the fish’s natural protective mucous layer, and reduces the chance of the fish’s skin getting infected
- Release the fish
- Return the fish to the water headfirst
- Release the fish by holding it upright in the water, facing the current
- If the fish is not strong enough to swim own his own, hold it gently by its tail and move it back in forth till he can swim away on his own
Please practice catch and release whenever possibleTake a picture to show your friends, and after enjoying the excitement of catching the fish, learn the joy of releasing it.
Happy fishing 
Comments
1 Comment so far
Fishing sites I like
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Catch and release is such a great concept! So many lakes get the bigger fish taken out and eventually get fished out. If more people had your mind the lakes would be a lot better of a place for fishermen like you and I!