CATCH AND RELEASE

Now that there are more bag size limits, anglers often catch fish which, by law, must be returned to the water. It is also becoming common for anglers interested in the sporting aspects of fishing to release some fish that they could legally keep.

Enhancing survival

Most fish survive catch-and-release. Increase their chances!

Bring the fish in quickly - a long fight stresses a fish and it is more likely to die.
Cut the line rather than removing hooks from gut or gills.
Use barbless hooks - unhooking is easier if you flatten barbs on hooks, or use single hooks on lures.
Avoid lifting the fish from the water.
Wet your hands if you must lift the fish from the water.
If you put the fish down to take the hook out, put it on a smooth, wet surface, or a piece of vinyl-covered foam. Fish skin is easily injured.
Don't use a net to pick the fish up, unless it is of knotless mesh. Knotted polypropylene landing nets damage a fish's skin and eyes.
Upon release, help a fish regain equilibrium, by holding it upright in the water and moving it to and fro for a while.
Many anglers are now joining in 'tag-and-release' programs.