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The
advent of catch-and-release has been great for the sport
of fishing. It has literally re-cycled fish/opportunity
for other anglers. However, there is a proper method to
returning fish to the water after you catch them, that assures
the fish's chances of survival.
Here
are some basic tips:
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Don't
play or fight a fish any longer than necessary. This
way when you do catch and release the fish, it's not
fatigued or stressed.
-
Do
not touch or handle the fish any more than necessary.
Doing so removes a protective slime coat that helps
protect the fish from disease. It might be a good idea
to wet your hands before handling the fish.
NOTE: For the same reason the use of
dip nets is not encouraged with fish you plan to release.
And if you do use nets, those with rubber webbing seem
to be less harmful in this regard than those made of
twine.
-
If
a hook is swallowed, cut it off as closely to the eye
of the hook as possible and release the fish, rather
than trying to remove the hook. Studies have shown fish
have a better chance of survival if you do this.
-
There
is nothing wrong with taking photos of a catch, but
consider that the fish cannot breathe out of water.
Take the photo and return the fish to water as soon
as possible.
-
Fishing
with barbless hooks aid in the survival rate of caught
and released fish. The same is true of anglers using
circle hooks. These hooks are designed to turn when
taken by the fish and hook it in the corner of the mouth
rather than be swallowed.
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