Catch and release fishing
Whether a regulation or a simply a preferred way of fishing - has been with us for a couple of generations now. And if we’re going to release the fish we catch, we’re obligated to do it with as little damage to the fish as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind
This means using the heaviest line or leader that is practical
and putting as much pressure on the fish as you can. Most
anglers err on the side of “being too careful,”
and consequently take longer than necessary to land the fish
and put more stress on the fish than necessary.
You’ll control the fish more quickly and can keep the
fish and the net in the water while you unhook the fish. Then
face the fish into the current in the net (if you’re in
moving water) and let the fish swim out of the net.
A friend of ours makes a point of holding her breath when she
takes a fish out of the water, and makes sure to put it back
in the water before she has to take a breath.
Water holds less dissolved oxygen with increased temperature,
and approximately 18 degrees C is a critical threshhold
temperature for trout. They are stressed more and have a lower
survival rate when caught and released at this temperature and
above.
If the water is too warm where you intend to fish move
upstream several miles to find more suitable conditions.
Perhaps nothing larger than #6 or #8 - This will reduce
hooking damage. And use barbless hooks whether they are
required by law or not. They’re easier to remove from a
fish’s mouth and your fishing partner’s neck.
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