Catch and Release

With the numbers of anglers increasing every season, many fishermen are practicing
catch and release tactics. If you take a guided fishing trip you will often find that this
procedure is mandatory.

Along with catch and release goes the practice of selective harvest. In areas where the
fish population is becoming too dense, the managing authority will ask the angler to keep
all or part of his limit. This allows the remaining fish to stay healthy and grow.

Practicing careful catch and release techniques will ensure that the released fish will be in
the best possible condition to survive. Fly fishing has proved to be the most effective in
ensuring the survival of released fish.

The dos and don'ts of catch and release fishing

The longer you play a fish, the more exhausted it will become, and the less likely it is to
survive when released back to the water. Good catch and release techniques encourage
you to land your fish as quickly as possible.

Use the strongest fly fishing tippet practical to expedite landing of the fish. If you must use a net,
make sure that the net has a soft cotton bag with small holes. The smaller the holes, the less
likely the fish is to get snagged.

Catch and release procedures: removing the hook

It is better to keep the fish in the water as you remove the hook. If this is not possible
make sure that you wet your hands before holding it as the chemicals on your skin can
harm the fish.

Any hook that has been swallowed or is deeply embedded should be left in the trout. Its
natural juices, and time, will eventually dissolve the hook. Just clip the leader as close to
the hook as possible.

Speaking of hooks, using barbless types or crimping the barb on others will allow the
hook to be removed more easily. When I tie my flies, one of the first things i do is pinch the barb fown on the hook before I make my first wrap. Long-nosed pliers are great helpers when removing
hooks. Regulations in some areas require the use of barbless hooks.

Trout CPR for the catch and release program

Trout CPR involves gently supporting the trout in the water so that it can become
reoxygenated. Hold the fish right side up with one hand under the tail and the other under
the belly.

Face the fish upstream and let it go once it is making determined efforts to escape.
Reviving the trout can take some time so be patient.
Any fish that is bleeding from its gills is not likely to survive so keep that one.

Practicing a catch and release program can ensure that the trout populations will be
around for the next generations of anglers. My own philosophy is to release all wild or
native trout. I sometimes keep stocked fish for my table.

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