Catch and Release Done Right: Ensuring a Healthy Future for Our Fish
Fly fishing is more than the thrill of the catch—it's a commitment to respecting nature and preserving ecosystems for future generations. Proper catch and release techniques are essential for ethical angling, minimizing harm to fish and sustaining vibrant rivers, lakes, and streams. This guide offers practical, streamlined advice to help you master catch and release, ensuring healthy fish populations for years to come.
Quick Landing: Reducing Stress
Fighting a fish for too long, especially in warm conditions, can lead to exhaustion and increase post-release mortality. The goal is to land the fish as quickly as possible without compromising the experience. Here's how:
- Match Tackle: Use gear suited to the fish's size—4- or 5-weight rods with 4X or 5X tippet for small to medium trout; 7- or 8-weight rods with 0X or 1X tippet for larger species like steelhead.
- Set the Drag: Adjust your reel's drag for consistent pressure to tire the fish efficiently without snapping the line.
- Play Smart: Keep the rod tip up to maintain tension and avoid obstacles like rocks or logs. Aim to land a 12-inch trout in under 2 minutes to reduce lactic acid buildup, which can be fatal.
Water Temperature Awareness: Protecting Fish
Water temperature directly affects a fish's ability to survive after release. Coldwater species like trout are particularly vulnerable, as warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, amplifying stress. Here's how to adapt:
- Know the Limits: Trout struggle above 68°F (20°C); 70°F (21°C) can be lethal. Bass tolerate up to 75°F (24°C), but caution is needed.
- Measure Temperature: Use a stream thermometer, placed 6–12 inches below the surface.
- Fish Smart: Target early morning or late evening when water is cooler, or fish high-altitude streams, tailwaters, or spring-fed waters.
- Know When to Stop: If temperatures exceed safe limits, switch to scouting or fly tying to avoid harming fish.
Wet Hands and Nets: Safeguarding Fish
A fish's slime layer is its first defense against infections and parasites. Dry hands, gloves, or nets can strip this protective coating, leaving fish vulnerable. Follow these steps:
- Wet Your Hands: Dip hands in water before touching fish. If using gloves, choose rubberized or neoprene and wet them.
- Choose the Right Net: Use a knotless, rubberized net with a shallow basket to minimize fin and scale damage. We recommend the JHFLYCO Carbon Fiber Landing Net, a lightweight (0.7 lbs for 26" Hand Net, 0.9 lbs for 37" Medium Length Net), buoyant, and durable option with a clear rubber net bag for fish-friendly handling. Its rubberized handle ensures a secure grip, and the SnapMagnet Tether keeps it accessible. Available in Slate Gray, both sizes have a 13"W x 18"L head and 12" bag depth.
- Handle Gently: Wet the net before use and scoop fish while submerged to avoid dry surfaces like rocks or boat decks.
Barbless Hooks and Artificial Flies: Minimizing Injury
Hooks and bait choices directly affect fish survival. Barbless hooks and artificial flies reduce trauma and speed up release. Here's how:
- Use Barbless Hooks: Barbless or pinched-barb hooks slide out easily, reducing mouth damage. Flatten barbs with pliers if needed.
- Choose Artificial Flies: Flies like size 12–16 Pheasant Tail Nymphs, or dry flies as they are less likely to be deeply swallowed than live bait, minimizing internal damage.
- Handle Deep Hooks: For hooks in gills or throats, cut the line rather than forcing removal. Fish often survive with barbless hooks left in place.
Keep the Fish Wet: Limiting Air Exposure
Air exposure is a major cause of post-release mortality, impairing gill function and increasing stress. Keep fish in water as much as possible:
- Unhook in Water: Use a net like the JHFLYCO Carbon Fiber Landing Net to unhook fish while submerged, leveraging its fish-friendly design.
- Quick Photos: If photographing, prepare your camera, keep the fish over water, and limit air exposure to 10 seconds or less. Kneel in shallow water for shots.
- Use Tools: Nets or fish cradles (mesh slings) support unhooking without lifting fish out.
Proper Fish Revival: Ensuring Recovery
A weak fish is unlikely to survive release. Proper revival restores oxygen and energy. Here's how:
- Position Correctly: Hold the fish gently by the tail or body, facing into a gentle current (rivers) or moving it slowly back and forth (still waters) to oxygenate gills. Avoid tight grips.
- Watch for Signs: Release when the fish shows strong tail movements and steady gill pumping, typically after 30 seconds to a few minutes.
- Avoid Premature Release: Don't release disoriented or upside-down fish, as they're vulnerable to predation.
- Special Cases: In fast water, move fish to a calm pool or eddy for revival.
Practice Minimal Handling: Reducing Trauma
Excessive handling increases injury and stress, especially in warm water. Minimize contact with these techniques:
- Use Tools: Hemostats or forceps (e.g., 6-inch Dr. Slick) allow precise hook removal with minimal contact.
- Avoid Sensitive Areas: Don't touch gills, eyes, or internal organs. Hold fish by the body or tail, avoiding belly pressure.
- No Squeezing: Support fish evenly to prevent organ or swim bladder damage, especially in deep-water species like lake trout.
Keep the Fish in Its Natural Habitat: Minimizing Disruption
Dragging fish onto dry land or unnatural surfaces causes stress and harm. Keep fish in their element:
- Stay in the Water: Wade into shallow water or use a net on boats to keep fish submerged.
- Avoid Dry Surfaces: Never place fish on rocks, grass, or boat decks. Use a wet net or water-filled bucket if needed.
- Photo Tips: Stay in the water or use a net for submerged shots. A wide-angle lens captures the fish without dragging it to shore.
Additional Best Practices for Sustainable Angling
- Eco-Friendly Gear: Use biodegradable tippets, lead-free weights, and sustainable tools like the JHFLYCO Carbon Fiber Landing Net.
- Stay Informed: Check local regulations via state wildlife agencies or apps like Fishbrain for species-specific guidelines.
- Support Conservation: Join groups like Trout Unlimited or volunteer for stream cleanups and habitat restoration.
- Educate Others: Share these practices to foster a conservation-minded fishing community.
- Monitor Fish Health: Report signs of disease—like lesions or fungus—to local fisheries biologists.
Why It Matters
Catch and release is a commitment to the sport and its ecosystems. Each fish released in good health supports thriving populations, ensuring future anglers share the joy of fly fishing. With tools like the JHFLYCO Carbon Fiber Landing Net and these techniques, you're protecting fish and their habitats. Tight lines and happy fishing!
