2Weight
08-26-2006, 08:44 AM
Catch and Release
Releasing trout so they survive:
Every year many trout die unnecessarily, victims of poor release techniques and rough handling. Due to regulations such as the minimum size limit and maximum creel limit anglers must release some fish they catch. Anglers may also choose to release a fish if it is not of sufficient quality to eat. Often these fish if handled carefully have a good chance of surviving, regaining condition and becoming a worthwhile catch for another angler.
I urge anglers to follow the simple rules below to increase the survival chances of trout that are released.
Never :
squeeze a fish or rip the hook out
throw a fish back into the water
put your fingers in the gills
let the fish thrash around on the ground
Always:
if possible leave the fish in the water and unhook it without touching it
if this isn't possible, use a soft knotless net and carefully lift the fish
leave the fish in the net, and without touching it, remove the hook using a hook remover or long-nosed pliers
if you must handle the fish, wet your hands first
hold the fish gently upside down to remove the hook as trout lie more quietly in this position
support the fish gently upright in the water until it swims away
Resuscitate:
if your catch is exhausted from a long, drawn out fight it will enter a state of almost unconsciousness. In this condition the trout will not be able to swim off when you release it. Instead the trout will float belly up. If this occurs or if you suspect that your trout is to weak to swim away you will need to perform trout CPR.
place the trout in the water gently, supporting its mid-section
moving the trout gently back and forth until you feel it start to swim away
Releasing trout so they survive:
Every year many trout die unnecessarily, victims of poor release techniques and rough handling. Due to regulations such as the minimum size limit and maximum creel limit anglers must release some fish they catch. Anglers may also choose to release a fish if it is not of sufficient quality to eat. Often these fish if handled carefully have a good chance of surviving, regaining condition and becoming a worthwhile catch for another angler.
I urge anglers to follow the simple rules below to increase the survival chances of trout that are released.
Never :
squeeze a fish or rip the hook out
throw a fish back into the water
put your fingers in the gills
let the fish thrash around on the ground
Always:
if possible leave the fish in the water and unhook it without touching it
if this isn't possible, use a soft knotless net and carefully lift the fish
leave the fish in the net, and without touching it, remove the hook using a hook remover or long-nosed pliers
if you must handle the fish, wet your hands first
hold the fish gently upside down to remove the hook as trout lie more quietly in this position
support the fish gently upright in the water until it swims away
Resuscitate:
if your catch is exhausted from a long, drawn out fight it will enter a state of almost unconsciousness. In this condition the trout will not be able to swim off when you release it. Instead the trout will float belly up. If this occurs or if you suspect that your trout is to weak to swim away you will need to perform trout CPR.
place the trout in the water gently, supporting its mid-section
moving the trout gently back and forth until you feel it start to swim away