Catch and Release Angling (pdf)

Executive Summary
The use of catch-and-release practices by anglers is increasing. This increase is a result of both anglers viewing the process as a conservation technique and also because catch-and release practices are being mandated by fisheries managers. Despite the widespread use of
catch-and-release, there is generally a lack of understanding regarding the mortality caused by the practice and how variation in catch-and-release techniques may affect the level of mortality.
While catch-and-release is physiologically stressful, stress and therefore mortality can be minimized by following some general catch-and-release guidelines. Gear should be appropriate

Quick Facts:

• only 5% of anglers surveyed reported that they did not practice catch-and-release to some extent

• both by anglers and fisheries managers, assume that fish which are released actually survive the experience.

• the average mortality associated with catch-and release angling was 16.2%.

• hook type affected the success of catch and release

• catch-and-release mortality can be reduced through the use of artificial bait.

• While the increased mortality associated with deep hooking is understood, it is less clear as to whether it is better to cut the line of deeply hooked fish or try to remove the hook,
potentially risking further injury and increased air exposure to the fish.

• the probability of mortality increased from 16% with no bleeding to 40% with heavy bleeding.

for the species being angled, allowing for quick retrieval. The use of barbless hooks and circle hooks should be considered to reduce the amount of time required to release fish. Air exposure should be minimized and fish should be released quickly. Depth of capture, hooking location and bleeding should be taken into account when deciding on whether or not to release a fish.
 When performed correctly, catch-and-release can be successful with minimal harm to the fish and should be encouraged. However, due to the variation among species in response to catch-and-release techniques, it is recommended that further research is needed to create species specific guidelines.

• When fish are caught and retrieved quickly from deep water, injury may result from depressurization.

• Evidence suggests that catch-and-release mortality is directly related to water temperature, with mortality increasing at extreme temperatures.

• Of the four types of landing net mesh types compared (rubber, knotless nylon, fine knotted nylon and coarse knotted nylon), the knotted mesh types resulted in greater injury and mortality than rubber or knotless mesh.

• These studies demonstrate the detrimental effects of air exposure, and highlight the need to reduce handling time and air exposure during catch-and-release.

• The length of time required for fish to recover from catch-and-release practices may help explain why mortality is often delayed until after release.

• Fish size is thought to be related to catch-and-release mortality because larger fish are more difficult to handle, thus higher mortality may be expected with increased fish size.

What is wrong with this picture?

When you compare the two photos, you notice they are both big brook trout, both females and both recaptures, but the fish on the left is missing its maxillary lip plate. This was an old injury as the lip had long since healed over. This is often a result of anglers "horsing" in the fish. Choosing appropriate line weight and hook size is beneficial to successfully catching and releasing these jewels.

"A fish is too valuable to only be caught once."
Lee Wulff

Catch and Release Facts