Catch and release

Summer is upon us and the kids are out of school, vacation time is here and perhaps some time to go fishing. One of the least talked about subjects when it comes to angling is proper catch and release technique. Now I know many of you are catch, filet and cook folks put for a few years now many anglers have taken to releasing their catch back into the lake or stream.

For me I started practicing catch and release 20 years ago when sport fishing in the ocean. Back then, you could bag 20 fish in total with limits on some species. I looked at the sack of fish one day and thought how many could I eat over a period of time before they went bad. As it turned out, I could not eat half of them and would either give them away or at some point toss them into the rose bushes.

Fish, to me, are a valuable resource and should not be wasted. Therefore, with that said I would like to give some tips on what to do, and not do to help with the safe return of our precious resources. One thing I see often when fishing is that people will drag the fish over rocks and dirt to unhook the fish. First thing you need to know is that fish have protective mucus or as some say a slime, which is a protective coating that protects the fish from diseases.

Once this mucus is removed, it will leave the fish vulnerable to parasites and waterborne diseases. The mortality rate of the fish increases the longer it is exposed to its environment. Another thing I see is anglers using rags to hold the fish while unhooking it, which will have the same results as dragging it across the ground. The best way to handle a fish is to bring it in as quickly as possible, wet your hands and hold the fish as gently as you can to remove the hook.

If you happen to get one of those fish that refuse to sit still, turn the fish over on its back, this seems to calm them long enough to unhook and release. If you use a net and plan to release your fish, spend the extra money and get one with a rubber or soft netting. The nylon netting on cheaper nets is rough and will aid in the mucus being removed. If you happen to catch a big fish and are practicing CPR, Catch-Photograph and Release, hold the fish in the water while the camera is being set up for the picture.

I have often explained, to a great number of folks, that holding a fish out of water for more than a few seconds aids in the mortality rate as well. I use a simple explanation. Pretend that you have just run 100 yards as hard as you can and at the finish line you are not allowed to stop and rest, but had to put your head under water. This makes a strong point on what the fish will experience when they have just fought for their lives and you hold them out of the water! Also, when putting the fish back in the water, place the fish in the water, do not throw it back. Hold the fish in the water to give it time to build its strength back; it will pull away when ready, this is especially true for trout.

I will make one plea for catch and release to those out there that enjoy this sport. I know there is a lot of ego involved when it comes to catching fish, and how many you may have caught. I see the people marching back to camp with their stringers full and everyone points and thinks, “Gee that guy or gal really can fish”.

Remember the beginning of this story, how many can you use before they will go bad and go to waste. Keep what you can eat for one day and release the rest to fight another day. The fish will really appreciate it.

Good fishing and tight lines!