Catch and Release Tips

I was approached last week by Sawyer Warwick, a senior at Central, who is completing a project for an Environmental Science class he is taking. His project was to, in his area of interest, "make a difference in the environment." Sawyer chose to research Catch and Release Tips and try to get a fishing blog to post them. You can imagine that I was a hard sell! ;-P

Thanks, Sawyer, for the info. Hope it helps our fishing community!

Catch and Release Tips

1. While fishing with artificial lures, consider replacing treble hooks with single hooks. Single hooks are quicker and easier to remove, which causes less tear and damage to the fishes mouth. By pinching the barb on your hooks, fish can still be caught without a chance of losing them and are less harmed during release.
2. Plan your release strategy. Decide whether to keep or release any fish prior to angling or at least before removing the fish from the water. Familiarize yourself with any regulations in effect for the species targeted, and gather any items that will facilitate handling and releasing the fish.
3. When a fish is hooked, use a steady retrieval technique. This can reduce the amount of stress a hooked fish undergoes when pulled up from the depths too quickly, or when physically exhausted from an overly slow retrieve. Stress causes lactic buildup in muscle tissues which removes oxygen from the fishes muscle and often result in death.
4. Once you have decided on releasing the fish, avoid netting or even removing it from the water if possible. Use needle-nosed pliers to pry the hook from the fish while it is still in the water. Fish that can be lifted by the line can easily be removed by a "dehooker" end of the fishing line to the lure or hook – can easily be released over the rail using a "dehooker." If live bait or a lure is deeply embedded in the fish’s gill, cut the leader close to the fish’s mouth and let the fish keep the hook. Studies have shown that fish can get rid of the hook up to 120 days later.
5. When landing the fish, it is important to minimize out-of-water time and any fish contact with surrounding surfaces or objects.
• Avoid using landing nets if possible. If a landing net must be used, one with a neoprene bag rather than natural twine should be used. Neoprene removes less of the fish’s mucous coat.
• Keep hands moistened. This helps prevent removal of the fish’s natural protective mucous layer, and reduces the chance of subsequent infections in the fish’s skin.
• Minimize handling, particularly of the gills and soft underbelly. Gently prevent the fish from battering itself on surrounding hard surfaces.
6. Return the fish to the water headfirst. In most cases, it is best to point the fish’s head straight down and allow the fish to plunge down into the water.

Thanks again to Sawyer!