image
image
image
image
image
image
image
image
bpa logo

 

Catch and Release:

Catch and release is when a fish is unhooked and returned to the water. The idea behind the practice is to prevent over harvest of a species and to increase the catch rate and size of fish. When fighting a fish you want to minimize the fight time .The longer you fight a fish the more exhausted it will become and decrease its’ chance of survival. When possible keep the fish in the water and handle with care and for a short amount of time. The use of a net will help, and a pair of needle nose pliers will assist in removing most hooks. If the hook is lodged deep in the throat or stomach then cut the line as close to the hook as possible and return the fish to the water. Handle the fish with wet hands and have the net wet and in the water to lift the fish up or leave it in the water to remove the hooks. The use of barbless hooks will make removing the hooks easier but are must be taken to keep the line tight so the fish can not throw the hooks out. Bass can be held by their lower jaw for but for larger fish or photos it is best to hold them horizontally and supporting as much of its body weight as possible. When releasing the fish put it gently in the water and support its weight by hand < and allow the fish to regain its strength and swim off.