Catch And Release: Understanding The Basics

Not all anglers make it a goal to head out for a day of fishing and fill up the cooler. Some prefer only the challenge of luring a fish to strike, fighting the fish, and holding it before its release. In some cases, you are required to release fish. It is important to understand that a fish must be handled properly before its release to increase its chances of survival. Here is what you need to know about practicing catch and release.

What Is Catch And Release

Catch and release is exactly as it sounds. Rather than tossing a fish in the cooler for dinner, it is returned back to the water.

Understand that releasing a fish is not simply pulling the hook and tossing it free. The fish must be handled properly in order to reduce stress. The rate of survival is highly dependent on the angler. Therefore, the proper techniques must be used.

Some anglers only release fish because they are into it for the sport versus the food value. Remember, releasing fish keeps the populations higher; therefore, you’re more likely to continue catching.

In other cases, you are required to release fish. Regulations are in place to protect vulnerable species that are not nearly as abundant as they once were.

I have fished in locations that required all fish to be released after they were caught. Stocked ponds are often posted with signs stating that no fish can be harvested.

Barbless Hooks Increase Survival Rates

One of the best things to do when you’re planning to release fish is to use barbless hooks. Barbless hooks, without question, are ideal for practicing catch and release.

First, it is important to understand the purpose of a barb on a hook. A small backward facing point reduces the likelihood of the hook pulling free from the fish’s mouth. The tip of the barb, when passed through the mouth, is a stopping point for the hook. The point extends past the hole created by the hook, thus keeping it in place.

With that said, a barbed hook is more challenging to remove once a fish is caught. The bard does not pass back out of the mouth with ease. Instead, it causes more injury to the mouth compared to a barbless hook. For this reason, it is always a good idea to use a barbless hook if your intentions are to release fish.