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FISHERIES CONSERVATION BEGINS WITH YOU:
Tips on Releasing a Hooked Fish
by James M. Falk, Marine Recreation Specialist, (302)
645-4346
Most recreational fishermen are aware that
stocks of fish are not exhaustible. Like any living resource, they must be conserved. Many states have passed regulations
to help in this conservation effort. Some require minimum size limits for "keeper" fish, others prohibit
the capture of spawning fish, and still others have daily catch limits for certain species. Although the specific
reasons for these regulations may vary, in general, the rationale is to make it possible for the fish to reach
sexual maturity and spawn so that existing stocks can increase.
Delaware, too, has passed legislation that sets
minimum size and possession limits on a number of important sportfish, e.g., weakfish, summer flounder, and tautog.
(For striped bass, there's a maximum size limit as well.) For size and possession limit information on sportfish caught in Delaware waters, request a copy of the current Delaware Fishing Guide from the:
When size or possession limits are in effect, or
if you are using voluntary keeper rules, it is important to know the proper techniques for releasing a hooked fish.
Not all fish can be released successfully. A badly damaged fish or one that is bleeding heavily is not likely to
survive. However, a fish that is handled quickly and gently during catch and release will have a good chance of
survival. Follow these tips when releasing a hooked fish:
- Play and release a fish as quickly as possible.
A fish that is played to the point of exhaustion may not survive.
Small fish are overcome by tackle quickly, and unless the hook has
induced heavy injury, they can be unhooked carefully and released
gently into the water. Large
fish often require a bit more effort to revive; usually they
are not overcome by tackle, and the struggle may lead to total exhaustion
and shock.
- Keep the fish in water as much as possible during
handling. Try not to let the fish flop around on a hard surface
such as a boat bottom or pier deck.
- Handle the fish gently; avoid squeezing. Use wet
gloves or at least be sure that your hands are wet while handling
the fish to avoid rubbing off the fish's protective layer of mucus.
Always avoid touching the gills.
- Try to handle the fish by the lower jaw if possible.
If you are releasing a fish with sharp teeth (such as a weakfish
or bluefish) use special fish-handling pliers designed for removing
hooks.
- Do not tear the hook out of the fish's mouth. This
is especially important with the weakfish because its mouth tissue
is extremely soft and susceptible to tearing. If the fish is lightly
hooked, it can often be released by grabbing the hook at the bend
with pliers (a recommended
tool in every tackle box) and gently shaking the hook loose.
If the hook cannot be removed with pliers, cut the leader and leave
the hook in. Most hooks will dissolve in a short period of time.
- Release the fish by gently slipping it back into
the water. Don't throw it back with a big splash.
- Some fish might need reviving by "walking"
them for a minute or two. To "walk a fish," place the fish in
the water. With one hand, gently support its head behind the gills. Hold
the base of the tail with the other hand. Move the fish back and forth
in the water.
As the fish begins to recuperate, its fins should begin to stand
out, and its gills should begin to work strongly. When the fish begins
to pull against your hand with strength, release it. Don't be alarmed
if the fish swims off
slowly; remember, its muscles are tired from the fight. If the
fish takes off quickly, so much the better. By following these tips, you
will make it possible for your fish to be caught again by another skilled
angler. You also will
have done your part to help conserve our valuable fisheries resources.
For Further Reading
Malchoff, M., M. Voiland, and D. MacNeill. "Guidelines
to Increase Survival of Released Sport Fish." Available at no charge in pdf format.
The Resource Center, Cornell University, P.O. Box 3884, Ithaca, NY
14852-3884. URL: http://www.cce.cornell.edu/store/customer/home.php?cat=249.
Richardson, T. "Salt Water Sportsman's Guide
to Releasing Fish." Salt Water
Sportsman 54(2): 42;47+.
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