Catch and Release Fishing Tips
If you participate in catch and release fishing, then it’s important to know how to safely handle and release fish to improve their chance of survival. These tips will help protect the fish and allow it to live its best life after being released!
Landing the Fish (Photo Credit: Cam Easler/Open Road Visuals)
Landing the Fish: Many fish are covered in a protective mucus that acts as a barrier against bacteria and other invasive pathogens that cause disease. Use a net to land the fish, preferably one made for conservation such as one with a rubberized bag. The rubber material used in conservation nets protects the mucus barrier, reduces damage to scales, and keeps tackle from getting caught and tangled. A landing net helps reduce stress for the fish, and keeps the fish safely contained until the hook can be removed.
Handling the Fish: Wear gloves and wet your hands prior to touching the fish. Gloves not only help us handle fish, but another added benefit is they keep our hands protected from harmful UV rays. Gloves allow us to get a safe grip without holding the fish too tightly, which can cause injuries. Wetting your hands and gloves prior to touching the fish helps to reduce the amount of mucus removed while retrieving the hook and returning the fish to the water.
Removing the Hook: Use pliers or a hook removing tool to remove the hook quickly and safely. Pliers allow you to reach into the mouth to remove the hook with a reduced risk of getting stuck if the fish decides to shake its head. Pliers are also great if the fish has teeth to keep your fingers out of harms way! If a hook is too deep to retrieve quickly, then cut the line as close to the hook as possible.
Releasing the Fish (Photo Credit: Cam Easler/Open Road Visuals)
Releasing the Fish: Always properly support the fish by holding it horizontally and cradling the belly with your hand as you lower it towards the surface of the water. Let the fish recover in the water and turn it towards the current if needed to allow it to “catch its breath”. Once again, gloves allow us to get a gentle grip on the fish to help hold it under water during recovery. Once the fish has its strength back, let it kick off and swim away on its own!
If you wish to get a quick picture of the fish before releasing it, make sure you have your camera ready once you have safely landed the fish and removed the hook. Or better yet, have a friend on standby to snap that picture! Always hold the fish horizontally with your hands supporting its weight, and then you’ll be ready to release it as soon as the camera clicks. We all want that grip-and-grin shot, but if you are practicing catch and release fishing, the wellbeing of the fish is top priority.
For more information on fish handling techniques for catch and release, there are many resources available including the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Coastal Conservation Association. Tight Lines!