The local waters around you have various species of fish. Anglers are allowed to take allotted amounts based on size and numbers of fish.
Overall, the protecting agencies’ aim is to maintaining healthy, naturally reproducing populations of all species of fish in the state’s waters. Some species, such as trout, may be classified as “put and take” in certain waters because they cannot reproduce on some waters. Others, such as bass, may be able to reproduce in many habitats.
There is nothing wrong with keeping a few fish for a nice meal or two. If anglers primarily practice proper catch and release methods, this will help ensure good fishing for years to come.
Many factors influence a fish’s chance for survival after being hooked. While there’s no guarantee that a released fish will survive, a few steps can greatly increase the likelihood that your catch will be around to fight another day.
First, play and release the fish as quickly as possible. Do not play a fish until complete exhaustion. Get the fish in, unhook him, and release him.
Next, keep your catch in the water as much as possible while you remove the hook. A fish suffocates out of water; it can also sustain brain damage. In addition, a fish flopping on shore or in a boat bottom can injure itself in the process.
Also, be sure to handle the fish gently. Do not squeeze it, and keep your hands out of its gills. A fish’s gills contain tissue which is easily damaged.
Next, use long-nosed pliers or forceps to remove hooks. If a fish is hooked deeply, cut the line near the fish’s mouth and leave the hook in. Do not tear out the hook.
Finally, revive a tired fish by holding the fish upright (and facing upstream if you are in moving water). Move the fish slowly forward and backward to move water through the gills. The fish should eventually swim away on its own.
Practicing catch and release ensures that fishing will continue to be as good as it’s been in recent year. These simple techniques maximize a fish’s chance to reproduce – and fight again some day
