Ask MidCurrent: Best Catch-and-Release Practices

Question: What is the number one way I can ensure that a fish I catch and release will survive?

Answer: The number one method to aid fish survival isn’t just a single action but a combination of careful handling practices, among which minimizing the time the fish spends out of water is the most critical. Here’s a breakdown of how to maximize survival chances for your aquatic quarry.

Quick Release

Minimize Air Exposure The most crucial step in ensuring a fish’s survival after landing it is to minimize its exposure to air. Fish are aquatic organisms that depend on water to breathe, and even brief periods out of water can cause severe stress and damage their gills. Studies suggest that fish should be kept out of water for no longer than 10-20 seconds at a time. The best practice is to handle the fish in water as much as possible, allowing it to remain in its natural environment even as you remove the hook.

Proper Handling

Wet Your Hands Always wet your hands before handling a fish. This practice helps to preserve the layer of mucous on the fish’s skin, which protects it from infections and injuries. Dry hands can strip off this protective layer, making the fish more susceptible to diseases.

Support the Fish When you need to handle the fish, do so gently. Support the fish horizontally rather than holding it by the tail or the head, which can damage its internal organs and spine. If you must lift the fish, ensure one hand is under the belly and the other near the tail, providing full support.

Use the Right Gear

Barbless Hooks Using barbless hooks can significantly increase the survival rate of fish after catch. These hooks cause less physical damage to the fish, making them easier and quicker to remove. This type of hook reduces the injury and stress on the fish, which are critical factors in their survival post-release.

Revival Techniques

Give It Time to Recover After the hook has been safely removed, it’s important not to just toss the fish back into the water. Instead, hold the fish gently in the water in a flowing motion, supporting it until it begins to swim away on its own. This process can take a few minutes, especially if the fish has fought hard and is exhausted. The goal is to ensure it has enough oxygen passing through its gills to fully recover before release.

Awareness and Education

Understand the Species and Environment Different species of fish and different water bodies may require specific handling techniques. Being educated about the fish you are targeting and the ecosystem in which you are fishing can also help in making informed decisions that contribute to the survival of the fish.

By using these practices in your fly fishing routine, you significantly boost the odds of a successful catch-and-release. Each step, from the type of hook used to the method of release, builds towards a singular goal: ensuring that each fish caught has the best possible chance at a healthy return to the water. This approach not only respects the fish but also contributes to the sustainability of fishing as a cherished pastime.