Catch & Release Fishing |
Catch and Release Fishing
As the world has become more environmentally aware, so have anglers. The days of catching and killing are gone and now responsible fishing is the accepted practice. With the world becoming increasingly aware of fish stocks it's in anglers best interests to keep fishing responsibly. Line fishing both commercially and recreationally is the most environmentally friendly and sustainable form of fishing.
From a conservation point line, fishing has less by catch and is more size and species specific than any other form of fishing. In recent years, catch and release fishing has become a quite a large influence in recreational fishing circles. Anglers should, however understand the mechanics behind this style of fishing to practice it best.
There is a long standing argument over what hooks are best for catch and release. Originally stainless hooks were preferred hooks as many scientists (not fishermen) saw the dis-guarded hooks as types of piercings, however this view has changed and although chemically sharpened hooks dissolve within the fish, this is looked as a far better situation than a permanent obstruction hindering the fish.
Hook style also makes a difference when you're catch and release fishing. The preferred hooks should be barbless or circle style. Barbless hooks are easier to remove, however the circle hook is a little more complex. Circle hooks are a design that came off long-liners of all things! The design is such that the hook is designed to secure the fish in the corner of the mouth reducing the chances of gut hooking. No Matter the hook used, if a fish is gut hooked, the line should be cut as close to the hook as possible. You should never try and wrench a hook out of a fish destined for release. Additionally, anglers should take note; if a fish is looking ill or bleeding heavily, then instead of wasting it, it may be better to humanly kill it and not let it go to waste. The next major consideration when catch and release fishing is line class. There is no point practicing catch and release if you fight the fish for an extended period of time. Fish are easily stressed and after a long struggle, are further susceptible a build up of lactic acid.
There is no point releasing a fish if it's only going to sink to the sea floor to be snaffled by a predator or float back up to the surface to die. If you want to practice sound catch and release, then fish appropriate line classes to avoid long drawn out battles.
Fish destined for release should where possible not be removed from the water. If, however you need to remove the fish from it's watery lair, then you should take care as to not to remove any of the fish's slime. This slime is the fish's protective barrier. Additionally, if you want a quick happy snap make sure you support the entire body of the fish and also make sure you handle the fish with either wet hands, gloves or towels. Never have the fish out of the water for more time than absolutely required.
From a conservation point line, fishing has less by catch and is more size and species specific than any other form of fishing. In recent years, catch and release fishing has become a quite a large influence in recreational fishing circles. Anglers should, however understand the mechanics behind this style of fishing to practice it best.
There is a long standing argument over what hooks are best for catch and release. Originally stainless hooks were preferred hooks as many scientists (not fishermen) saw the dis-guarded hooks as types of piercings, however this view has changed and although chemically sharpened hooks dissolve within the fish, this is looked as a far better situation than a permanent obstruction hindering the fish.
Hook style also makes a difference when you're catch and release fishing. The preferred hooks should be barbless or circle style. Barbless hooks are easier to remove, however the circle hook is a little more complex. Circle hooks are a design that came off long-liners of all things! The design is such that the hook is designed to secure the fish in the corner of the mouth reducing the chances of gut hooking. No Matter the hook used, if a fish is gut hooked, the line should be cut as close to the hook as possible. You should never try and wrench a hook out of a fish destined for release. Additionally, anglers should take note; if a fish is looking ill or bleeding heavily, then instead of wasting it, it may be better to humanly kill it and not let it go to waste. The next major consideration when catch and release fishing is line class. There is no point practicing catch and release if you fight the fish for an extended period of time. Fish are easily stressed and after a long struggle, are further susceptible a build up of lactic acid.
There is no point releasing a fish if it's only going to sink to the sea floor to be snaffled by a predator or float back up to the surface to die. If you want to practice sound catch and release, then fish appropriate line classes to avoid long drawn out battles.
Fish destined for release should where possible not be removed from the water. If, however you need to remove the fish from it's watery lair, then you should take care as to not to remove any of the fish's slime. This slime is the fish's protective barrier. Additionally, if you want a quick happy snap make sure you support the entire body of the fish and also make sure you handle the fish with either wet hands, gloves or towels. Never have the fish out of the water for more time than absolutely required.
Tip of the week:
When you use circle hooks a fast strike hook, set should be avoided and a more controlled lifting of the rod employed. This gives the hook a greater chance of setting in the corner of the mouth making for an easy and clean release.
