Catch and Release Fishing

Know the proper technique for catch and release fishing and your kids will thank you!

There is nothing more enjoyable in this world than a great day on the water. If conditions are perfect and the fish are active things don’t get much better. If you are catching big fish , it can add a level of excitement that is hard to match.

But we have to be careful with those big ones. They are very important in protecting our fish resources and they need to be cared for. Catch and release fishing is one of the keys to help fish populations stay strong.

It is pretty straight forward – keep only what you are going to eat. And just as importantly, let the big ones go (they lay many times more eggs during the spawn).

Too often we see anglers keep more fish than they will eat. Often this is done out of ignorance and a lack of understanding how this activity impacts the fish population. Unfortunately it is also done out of lack of respect for the fish and the water they are taken from.

By ignoring catch and release fishing practices, it has an unbelievable impact on fish populations. Think about it. A good fishing location with red-hot walleye in the spring can see as many as 100 boats a day. Assume the catch goes on for six weeks. Also assume that each boat has 3 anglers in it. Project that the limit for walleye is 5 per day.

6 weeks x 100 boats x 3 anglers x 5 walleye per day = 9,000 walleye! If you are rolling your eyes at that number, don’t. There are many lakes that are under tremendous pressure like this and our fish population in many regions is taking a pounding!

Catch and release fishing the key to helping our fish populations stay strong. The principle behind catch and release fishing is to reduce the mortality rate of fish. There are things you need to consider.

Use a barbless hook. It makes the time the fish is out of the water much shorter. It is also much easier on the fish as a barb can often get caught in the throat or the gills. A barbless hook makes the odds the fish will live much better (plus it is a lot easier for you to take the hook out).

Try to land your fish quickly. The less energy they spend on the way into the boat, the faster they will recover. This is a key element often not thought of during catch and release fishing practices.

If you can keep the fish in the water as you remove the hook, this is much easier on the fish. If you need to pick up the fish, wet your hands first. Try not to squeeze to hard as you hold the fish to remove the hook. If you can hold the fish upside down, quite often this will immobilize it, and give you a chance to quickly remove the hook! Above all, be gentle!

Often you will need to hold the fish in the water as it “catches its breath”! Don’t squeeze the fish, just help it with its balance. Be patient it can take a few minutes for the fish to have enough strength to take off.

If there is a current, make sure the head is facing upstream. This will give it a chance to regain its strength and equilibrium. It also forces water through the gills helping the fish acquire much needed oxygen. If there is no current, slowly move the fish forward and backward in the water to get the water through its gills! Make sure you don't release an exhausted fish until it appears the gills are working properly. When this happens, the fish will usually swim out of your light grip on its own.

Fish populations across North America are, in general, suffering. Stocking efforts and recovery programs are happening virtually in every jurisdiction. Some areas are suffering more than others. Think about it. How often have you heard someone say, “The fishing just isn’t as good as it was a few years ago”. That goes for a number of lakes and rivers right across the continent.

It is the responsibility of every angler to take care of our fish population. Limit your catch. Let go the big ones go, and ensure a productive resource of fish for generations to come.

Thanks for reading.

Good fishing.