It’s hard to watch a TV series like Planet Earth, and not take Catch & Release seriously. However, when we take the cost of a fishing trip, it can be a tough sell.

 

We believe strongly in the concept of Catch & Release and while there are various regulations on bag limits and size limits, we hope we can provide other incentives for conservation.

 

More importantly, over fishing reduces fish stocks and prevents the growth of fish to their natural large sizes. Catch & Release ensures stable and healthy fish stocks.

Stress Kills

These 3 tips will help you minimise stress to the fish

  1. Avoid use of landing nets. If you do use a net, neoprene nets remove less of the fish’s mucous and enhance it’s chances of survival. And by keeping your hands moist, you will further reduce the protective mucous lining
  2. Avoid using Gaffs
  3. Minimise handling. Unruly fish can be subdued by being placed on a wet cloth or foam

These steps might seem like pampering, but studies show that the more a fish is handled, the greater the chance the fish will die after it has been released.

 

The fish caries a slimy mucous coating that acts as a barrier against inflections and disease.

Releasing Fish can cause Death

When fish are caught at depths of 40 feet or more, their bladders become over inflated, which can lead to death when they are released. To reduce this risk, burp the fish by massaging their belly region.

 

Not all fish have a connection between their bladder and their gut as in striped bass, sea bass and largemouth bass. For these fish the use of puncturing can be used to relieve pressure by using a needle to poke a hole in the fish’s exposed bladder. However, improperly performing this technique can lead to death.

Fish for the Future

What’s important is that we do our best to ensure fish for future generations. We practice Catch & Release and hope you will too.