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Catch and Release

Catch and release

Catch and release fishing is an increasingly popular practice among many anglers. It is quite common to release fish that they could be legally kept. Many laws and regulations in different states and impoundments also require fish of certain sizes and types to be released. Make sure you are up-to-date with the latest rules and regulations in the area you are fishing. The angler must understand that there is more to releasing a fish then just taking the hook out of its mouth and "throwing it back" into the water. You want to give the fish the best possible chance at survival. This short guide will hopefully point you in the right direction when releasing fish. Releasing a large Murray Cod

Gear

Lip Grips
  • There are lots of tools and equipment on the market now to help the angler with releasing a fish correctly.
  • Choose equipment (rod and line etc) that enables you to land the fish relatively quickly .
  • 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. (Use a "lip grip" or an "enviro net" or something similar).
  • If weighing the fish use a sling (ensure that is moist) or knotless net and attach the scale to these.
  • "Cut proof" gloves are also good as the angler can place their hand safely in the fish's mouth. (Remember hooks can still penetrate these gloves).
   

Landing the Fish

 

  • When lifting the fish from the water, support the fish's weight by placing your hand underneath its belly. Do not suspend the fish by its gills, lower jaw or by the line, this can cause fatal injuries especially on larger fish.
  • Use "comfort lift" by laying the fish on its side and placing your hand under its side. It will remain still for quite some time.
  • Have your camera ready and always have another person with you to take a photo. While you are winding the fish in, the person with you should be preparing the camera for a quick photo and release.
  • The fish should only be removed from the water for a short time. Barbless hooks, camera preparation, having pointy nose pliers nearby and using a lip grip, are great strategies to ensure a quick release.
  • If you are going to land the fish (remove it from the water), ensure it is placed on a wet surface (e.g. a wet towel, shown in the picture) and make sure you wet your hands before touching the fish.

Releasing

  • When placing the fish back in the water, support its entire weight. After placing it in the water make sure your hand isn't in its mouth (especially if it is a larger fish, as this is dangerous).
  • Hold the fish upright and move the fish back and forth and imitate the fish's swimming action to revive it.
 Releasing a Yellow Belly, otherwise known as a Callop

Sustainability

Sustainable fishing involves not only stocking our waterways, but also releasing fish caught back into them.

I do not preach 100% catch and release, a nice size table fish, which is legal and within reason can make a great meal. However, releasing large Murray Cod (e.g. over 70cms) and Yellow belly (over 45cms) is recommended as these fish are not only bad to eat because they are full of fat, but they are our main breeders.

Some people argue, “Well I killed it to get it stuffed and hung on my wall”. You then have to ask them, how much did they pay to get that done, $500 – $600, even more? Would it not be logical to spend say $300 – $400 on a decent digital camera, so you can take heaps of photos of these fish and release it? You cannot take the “wall mounted trophy” into the pub to show your mates – but you can take a photo. Photos last forever, whereas a fish that has been to the taxidermist, may only last a few years before it starts to look ‘worse for wear'.

There has been much debate over the issue of putting large cod back into the water. Some people believe these large cod dominate the water and do not allow other fish to grow and breed in these waters. This is a poor and uninformed excuse to kill such a majestic and important fish.

When fishing, make sure you only take what you immediately need and remember fish taste a lot better fresh, then when they have been sitting in the freezer for months.

The environment

When out fishing, remember to look after the environment around you, as it is home to all the fish you are trying to catch as well as numerous other animals and wildlife. Take your rubbish home with you, do not leave old fishing line lying around, and do not damage the natural surroundings. If the place you are fishing has rubbish everywhere, pick up this rubbish and take it home, it is not difficult and it will not cost you anything. If you do this and remember the simple rule of "leave it how you found it" then our waterways will continue to provide us with an abundance of fish and beautiful scenery.