How to properly catch and release fish
| Seagrant Catch and Release printable guide |
• Catch and release fishing is a very popular style of fishing and it's popularity is increasing every year. But in order to increase the likelihood of the fish surviving, you have to know a few basic steps. It's not just about unhooking the fish and throwing it back, that's just a plain "annoyed with the catch" not a "I want this fish to survive" mentality.
There is 3 factors to consider if you want the fish to survive.
1. Damage to the fish
2. Stress
3. Time out of the water
So let's go over each one of these topics so you can increase your catch and release success.
1) DAMAGE TO THE FISH
The damage caused to the fish is the main cause of the fish not surviving. A lot of the damage is unavoidable, but some of it can be minimized.
First if using octopus or similar hooks you can cut or use pliers to crush the barb on the hook. This will minimize the hole in the mouth and do less damage if the hook is swallowed.
Second, if the fish swallowed the hook do not attempt to remove the hook. Instead cut the line as close to the hook as possible and release the fish. If the barb is removed the hook will remove itself safer than trying to remove it.
Third, never grab the fish by the gills or attempt to remove hooks from the gill. This will almost always result in low survival chances. When possible grab the fish by the mouth and worse case scenario grab them by the tail.
Fourth, never grab the fish with dry hands. Always wet your hands prior to handling the fish. The fish have a protective slime which protects them from the bacteria in the water.
2) STRESS
To reduce stress on the fish and to release them with the highest survival rate as possible always try to handle the fish gently. Do not just throw the fish over board or back into the surf. Hold the fish in your hands and lower them into the water until they take off on their own power. If the fish don't take off quickly, try moving them back and forth to get the flow of water over their gills. This tends to help get their gills pumping again.
3) TIME OUT OF WATER
You want the fish to spend as little time out of the water as possible. Have the gear you need to release the fish ready at all times. If you want to take a picture with the fish, make sure your buddy is ready with the camera. Keep in mind the time out of water is like you being in water. The fish is unable to breath and is basically holding their breath, so even a few minutes can really do a lot of damage to the fish.
There you go, you should now be well on your way to successful catch and release fishing. You are taking a good step to protecting our jersey waters and fish. Just remember to only keep the fish you intend to eat and release the rest safely. Each fish species is important to the NJ eco system and must be guarded by anglers like yourself.
There is 3 factors to consider if you want the fish to survive.
1. Damage to the fish
2. Stress
3. Time out of the water
So let's go over each one of these topics so you can increase your catch and release success.
1) DAMAGE TO THE FISH
The damage caused to the fish is the main cause of the fish not surviving. A lot of the damage is unavoidable, but some of it can be minimized.
First if using octopus or similar hooks you can cut or use pliers to crush the barb on the hook. This will minimize the hole in the mouth and do less damage if the hook is swallowed.
Second, if the fish swallowed the hook do not attempt to remove the hook. Instead cut the line as close to the hook as possible and release the fish. If the barb is removed the hook will remove itself safer than trying to remove it.
Third, never grab the fish by the gills or attempt to remove hooks from the gill. This will almost always result in low survival chances. When possible grab the fish by the mouth and worse case scenario grab them by the tail.
Fourth, never grab the fish with dry hands. Always wet your hands prior to handling the fish. The fish have a protective slime which protects them from the bacteria in the water.
2) STRESS
To reduce stress on the fish and to release them with the highest survival rate as possible always try to handle the fish gently. Do not just throw the fish over board or back into the surf. Hold the fish in your hands and lower them into the water until they take off on their own power. If the fish don't take off quickly, try moving them back and forth to get the flow of water over their gills. This tends to help get their gills pumping again.
3) TIME OUT OF WATER
You want the fish to spend as little time out of the water as possible. Have the gear you need to release the fish ready at all times. If you want to take a picture with the fish, make sure your buddy is ready with the camera. Keep in mind the time out of water is like you being in water. The fish is unable to breath and is basically holding their breath, so even a few minutes can really do a lot of damage to the fish.
There you go, you should now be well on your way to successful catch and release fishing. You are taking a good step to protecting our jersey waters and fish. Just remember to only keep the fish you intend to eat and release the rest safely. Each fish species is important to the NJ eco system and must be guarded by anglers like yourself.
