How to Catch and Release with Care

With catch and release species, or any regulated fish that is outside the legal slot limit, proper handling is important. Learning how to properly handle and revive fish increases the likelihood that your catches will survive to continually build on the existing fishery.

Here are four quick tips for minimizing stress and increasing the survival rates of your catches:

1. Use circle hooks. Circle hooks reduce the number of gut hooked fish since circle hooks generally catch the fish on the lips at the corner of the mouth before they have an opportunity to be swallowed.
2. Fish with artificial lures. Artificial lures are almost always in motion and the hook is set before the lure can be swallowed.
3. Use wet hands. If you need or want to remove the fish from the water for a photo, use wet hands. Towels, gloves and dry hands remove the fish’s protective slime. This slime acts as a protective barrier for the fish and helps prevent infection.
4. Revive before release. Hold the fish horizontally in the water and gently move it forward with its mouth open into the current. Allow water to flow through the gills.

For additional suggestions on how to improve your catch and release efforts, read “14 Catch and Release Techniques for Healthier Fisheries.”