
Careful catch and release fishing is one proactive way we can conserve vital Cape Cod fish species like striped bass. According to the best fisheries science, 9% of all released fish still die. Spread across the entire recreational / commercial fishing effort on Cape Cod, that is a huge number. And, we have to try and do better with every fish released. When done correctly, proven catch and release methods can result in even higher survival rates. But catching and releasing fish successfully takes study and practice. As much as you can, you’ll want to minimize stress and injury to the fish from the minute you hook it, until the minute it swims away.
Learn the following proper techniques and you’ll be catching and releasing fish in a safe, effective way this upcoming season.
Water Conditions
Avoid fishing when conditions are stressful for the fish:
High water temperatures-though its rare to be fishing water for striped bass above 70 degrees, fishing effort in areas approaching that number should be reduced. Water temps near or above 70 degrees really stress stripers out.
Fishing Tackle
The most important aspect of successful catch and release fishing is using appropriate fishing methods and gear for the size and species of fish you’re pursuing. Appropriately sized rods and reels significantly decrease the time the fish is stressed and exponentially increase its chance of survival after release.
Tackle – Use rods, reels and lines with sufficient backbone and strength to land the fish in a reasonable amount of time. Long struggles on ultra light fishing gear can really build up metabolic by products in the fish's body and stress fish in ways that can really harm them.
Bait – Using bait often results in deep hooking injuries. If possible, avoid the use of scents and artificial baits that encourage fish to swallow hooks. If you are going to use bait, keep a careful , continuous watch of the rod and set the hook early. If the swallow the hook, mortality rates go through the roof.
Artificial lures or flies – When you use artificial lures or flies, the fish are most often hooked in the lip, particularly lures with single hooks, making it easier to remove the hook rapidly and efficiently.
Single, barbless hooks – Properly sized, single barbless hooks vastly reduce fish handling time and potential injury. If you have to use trebles, it can be a good idea to clip off two hooks from treble hooks using good wire cutters . Barbs can be removed by flattening the barb against the hook shank with needle-nosed pliers .
Catching and Landing the Fish
It takes time and practice to perfect the art of catching and landing the fish. Follow this advice to hone your techniques.
Pay attention. Fisherman should closely watch their rod or line if trolling or fishing bait. When you’re alert and nearby, you greatly reduce the chances for fish to swallow hooks deeply or get hooked by multiple hooks.
Enjoy the battle, but don't drag it out. An exhausted fish likely won't recover, even if it swims away. Land or boat your fish as quickly as possible. Then, be ready to remove hooks and release the fish quickly.
Use a landing net. Landing nets reduce handling time, stress, and the potential for injury, especially for large fish that are difficult to manage. Large frames with shallow nets made of rubber or small, soft, knotless mesh are best.
Handling Your Catch
Be sure to handle fish carefully to avoid injuries.
Keep the fish wet . Removing the entire fish from the water causes stress, suffocation, and possible internal injury to the organs. Keep them in the water unless it's impossible .
Provide proper support. Avoid removing fish from the support of the surrounding water any more than necessary. Support the fish in a landing net, or cradle the fish gently with one hand beneath the belly near the water surface.
Treat the fish gently. Avoid squeezing tightly, which can damage internal organs and muscle tissue. You should never grab a fish under its gill plate.
Use wet hands or gloves to handle fish. Wet hands or gloves will help reduce the loss of a fish’s protective mucus.
Removing the Hook
Remove the hook as quickly as you can. Keep the fish in the water or hold it upside down to calm and relax the fish. This will make it easier to remove the hook.
Use the right tool. Needle-nosed pliers, hemostats, and other hook removers are essential for quick and efficient hook removal.
If necessary, leave the hook! If the fish is hooked deeply or the hook cannot be easily removed, then leave it. Cut your line as close to the hook as possible.
Releasing Your Fish
Let the fish fully recover before releasing it. Hold the fish underwater, in an upright position or secured in the landing net. Make sure it’s ventilating before release—you should see the gills opening and closing. If the fish has difficulty regaining its strength, then face the fish into the current. The fresh oxygenated water can pass gently over the gills helping the fish “catch its breath.” Let it swim away on its own.
In fast moving water, consider moving the fish to calmer water where it can recover and swim away on its own. Fast-moving or turbulent water can sweep away or injure a weakened fish. This is particularly important for fish released from a boat in mid current.
Releasing Fish Caught in Deep Water
When a fish is caught from deep water and brought to the surface, gases dissolved in the blood come out of solution and cause the swim bladder to expand. The damage and stress that results is called “barotrauma.” A fish can often survive this event if it’s treated and released properly. When releasing fish caught at depth, know the correct procedure for using venting tools.Venting tools (Sharpened, hollow instruments) can be used to release expanded gas from the fish's swim bladder.

Comments