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What is Catch and Release? a conservation practice developed to prevent the overharvesting of fish

Catch and release fishing improves native fish populations by allowing more fish to remain and reproduce in the ecosystem. This practice provides an opportunity for increasing numbers of anglers to enjoy fishing and to successfully catch fish. Releasing native fish caught while in a national park will help to ensure that enjoyment of this recreational opportunity will last for generations to come.

In catch and release fishing anglers immediately release native fish - unharmed - back to the water where they are caught. When done correctly, catch and release methods result in high survival rates. But catching and releasing fish successfully takes practice.

Learn the proper techniques and you’ll soon be catching and releasing fish in a safe, humane way.

What to know:

Use single, barbless hooks - Properly sized, single barbless hooks reduce fish handling time and injury. Two hooks can be removed from treble hooks using wire snips or pliers. Barbs can be removed by flattening the barb against the hook shank with needle-nosed pliers or fishing hemostats.

Provide proper support - Avoid removing fish from the support of the surrounding water any more than necessary. Support the fish in a landing net, or cradle the fish gently with one hand beneath the belly near the water surface. Using wet hands or gloves to handle fish. Wet hands or gloves will help reduce the loss of a fish’s protective mucus. Be gentle. Avoid squeezing tightly, which can damage internal organs and muscle tissue. Remember to never touch or hold a fish by the gills. Gills are particularly sensitive and can be easily damaged.

Removing the hook - Work quickly and calmly. Keep the fish in the water or hold it upside down to calm and relax the fish. Use needle-nosed pliers, hemostats, and other hook removers are essential for quick and efficient hook removal. If necessary, leave the hook! If the fish is hooked deeply or the hook cannot be easily removed, then leave it. Cut your line as close to the hook as possible.

Photographing Your Catch - Keep your fish wet and calm until you are ready for the photograph. Crouch down near the water surface to avoid lifting the fish far from the water. When all is ready, hold your fish firmly by the tail while placing the other hand under its belly (avoid touching the gill area). When the fish has calmed, lift it briefly out of the water and quickly capture the image.

Releasing Your Fish - Hold the fish underwater, in an upright position or secured in the landing net. Make sure it’s ventilating before release—you should see the gills opening and closing. If the fish has difficulty regaining its strength, then face the fish into the current. Let it swim away on its own.

In fast moving water, consider moving the fish to calmer water where it can recover and swim away on its own. Fast-moving or turbulent water can sweep away or injure a weakened fish. This is particularly important for fish released from a boat in midstream.

source: nps.gov

Credits:

Created with an image by Sticker Mule - "A lovely lady angler took our photographer down to the river in Eleven Mile Canyon, Lake George, CO to do a little fly fishing. This woman is a true badass! Within the first 10 mins of wading out in the water, @pixiek8 (as she is known on Instagram) caught this beauty of a trout.