Foxsea
Well-Known Member
Admin. rightly noted that this discussion should be taken away from the Nanoose/French Creek Reports. The topic has been discussed before but apparently some reminders are necessary. The science is clear and this is the distillation of the findings concerning catch and release and reducing fish mortality.
1 ) Use tackle that minimizes deep hooking and injury. Barbless are regulation and circle hooks do less damage than J hooks.
2) Don't play a fish to exhaustion. Use equipment that allows you to bring the fish to the boat quickly.
3) Leave the fish in the water. Use a measuring stick and take pictures at the side of the boat. Release the fish with minimal handling. Use a gaff to aid in release if you are proficient with it.
4) If you must net the fish, use a knotless or coated net with fine mesh. Remove the hook gently using forceps or pliers.
5) If you must handle the fish, use wet hands and cradle the fish. Do not squeeze or touch eyes or gills. Do not remove slime or scales by manhandling the fish. This is critical to survival.
6) Keep the time the fish is out of the water very short. This is critical to survival.
7) Return the fish to the water gently and hold into the current to revive if necessary.
Fish treated as above stand an excellent chance of surviving and returning to their spawning beds.
1 ) Use tackle that minimizes deep hooking and injury. Barbless are regulation and circle hooks do less damage than J hooks.
2) Don't play a fish to exhaustion. Use equipment that allows you to bring the fish to the boat quickly.
3) Leave the fish in the water. Use a measuring stick and take pictures at the side of the boat. Release the fish with minimal handling. Use a gaff to aid in release if you are proficient with it.
4) If you must net the fish, use a knotless or coated net with fine mesh. Remove the hook gently using forceps or pliers.
5) If you must handle the fish, use wet hands and cradle the fish. Do not squeeze or touch eyes or gills. Do not remove slime or scales by manhandling the fish. This is critical to survival.
6) Keep the time the fish is out of the water very short. This is critical to survival.
7) Return the fish to the water gently and hold into the current to revive if necessary.
Fish treated as above stand an excellent chance of surviving and returning to their spawning beds.
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