Catch and release only works if the fish lives. Fisheries scientists point out that simply letting go does not guarantee survival, but the choices you make before, during and after landing a fish can change the odds a lot.
Before the hook is set
- Use barbless hooks, or crimp the barbs, and follow local rules when circle hooks are required. These raise survival and make unhooking easier.
- Choose tackle strong enough to land the fish quickly. Playing a fish to exhaustion harms it.
- Set the hook promptly so the fish is less likely to swallow the bait.
- Carry a rubber or knotless mesh net and a dehooking tool. Wet, soft mesh does less damage to eyes, fins and scales.
In your hands
Leave the fish in the water if you can. If it has to come out, keep the time in the air short. Fisheries guidance says under 60 seconds is ideal, or about as long as you can hold your own breath. Wet your hands or use a wet glove so the protective slime layer stays intact, and avoid setting fish on dry ground or a hot boat deck.
Support a heavy fish along the length of its body instead of hanging it by the lip. Some species have sharp teeth or fins, so handle them with care.
If the hook is deep
When a swallowed hook will not come out easily, snip the line right at the hook. Fish with a deep hook often survive better with the hook left in than with a rough removal. In regulated fisheries, a deeply hooked fish may need to be kept under bag limits, so know the rules.
Reviving and releasing
Hold a tired fish upright in the water facing into the current, or move it gently forward through the water, until it kicks away on its own. Fish brought up from deep water can suffer from barotrauma, which makes it hard to swim back down, so release them quickly at depth with a descending device if you have one.