Catch and Release

March 10, 2022

Question: What’s the best way to release freshwater fish unharmed?

Answer: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recommends these five tips:

1.    Land your fish as carefully and quickly as possible.

2.    Try to avoid removing the fish from the water. Underwater unhooking and release is preferred.

3.    Do not squeeze the fish, or touch its eyes or gills.

4.    Remove only those hooks that you can see and remove easily, otherwise clip the line near the mouth on deep hooked fish.

5.    Use artificial lures (no bait) to minimize deep hooking. Barbless hooks or hooks with flattened barbs make unhooking easier and less stressful on the fish.

For more information see CDFW’s 2021-2022 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=190456&inline).

use barbless hooks. 

I never keep fish and often use barbless. fish usually self releases given slack. slime coat keeps them safe, handling breaks up slime coat. to each his own though. fish are tough

I got started using barbless when fishing in Hawaii, since there is a lot of releasing.  Gave me confidence that I don't always need a barb to land a fish.  Even big ones!

use barbless hooks.

Plus, barbless is a lot safer for the fisherperson, which is especially important on a kayak...

I want to add, if you touch the fish, do it with wet hands. Also, don't use a towel to grip the fish.