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Catch and Release recommendations
for good practice
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| Keep the fish in the water, let it breath. This lovely
spring salmon was caught on my local beat of the River Tummel, Perthshire,
Scotland. |
As our precious fish stocks become more and more threatened
by man's endevours it is clear that if our sport is to survive we must
ensure sustainability. Wildlife does not need artifical stock enhancement
but it needs suitable habitat and environment and the resource must not
be over exploited. Catch and release is the best way to ensure fish for
future generations. Caring for the environment
is the best way to ensure a World for future generations.
Follow those few simple rules and your fish will have the best chance
of surviving:
- Use barbless hooks.
- Avoid using trebles because they can cause unnecessary
damage.
- Use tackle that is strong enough to bring fish to hand
quickly, avoid overtiring them.
- Use knotless mesh landing nets, to avoid damage to eyes,
gills, fins and body.
- Never use gaffs or tailers or drag fish ashore.
- Keep the fish in the water, let it breath. Taking a fish
from the water after playing it is like asking you to run a half marathon
then hold your breath for five minutes!
- Measure the fish against your rod or carry a soft measuring
tape if you want to estimate its weight. Use my fish
weight o'meter when you get home.
- Take a picture to show your friends.
- Hold the fish carefully facing the current, support it
from beneath until it recovers sufficient for a safe release.
- Be proud of your contribution to the future of gamefishing.
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