Catch and Release Guide — How to Release Fish Safely

Why Catch and Release Matters

Fish populations are not unlimited. In many fisheries, catch and release is what maintains trophy-quality fishing. A five-year-old largemouth bass has survived predators, weather, disease, and anglers to reach trophy size — releasing her means she spawns again and produces the next generation of fish. Selective harvest (keeping some, releasing others based on regulations) paired with proper catch and release creates sustainable fisheries that produce quality fish year after year.

General Best Practices

These rules apply to all species: minimize fight time (don't use ultra-light tackle for heavy fish), keep fish in the water as much as possible, use wet hands when handling, support the fish horizontally, remove hooks quickly with pliers, and revive exhausted fish before release. A landing net with rubber mesh reduces scale and slime damage compared to knotted nylon nets.

• Wet your hands before touching any fish — dry hands strip protective slime
• Support fish horizontally, especially anything over 3 lbs
• Use rubber-coated landing nets — they are much gentler on fish
• Never hold a fish by the gills or eyes
• Minimize air exposure — think about how long you can hold your breath underwater

Bass — Proper Handling

Bass under 3 lbs can be safely lip-gripped vertically. Fish over 3 lbs should be supported under the belly when held for photos — vertical holds can dislocate the jaw on heavy fish. Avoid holding bass at extreme angles. For tournament livewells, use recirculating well water and chemical treatments (Rejuvenade, Catch & Release Formula). Release bass headfirst into the water so water flows through the gills.

Trout — Handle with Extra Care

Trout are the most delicate commonly caught species. Always wet your hands. Never squeeze a trout. Keep them in the water for unhooking if at all possible. Use barbless hooks (required in many trout streams). If photographing, lift the fish briefly, snap the photo, and return immediately. In warm water (above 68°F), trout are already stressed — consider not fishing for trout when water temps are high. Rubber nets are essential for trout.

Catfish — Watch the Spines

Catfish have sharp pectoral and dorsal spines that can puncture your hand. Grip catfish behind the pectoral spines with the spine between your fingers. Support larger catfish under the belly. Catfish are hardy and survive release well. They are also excellent table fare, so selective harvest of smaller fish (under slot limits) is often encouraged.

Saltwater Species

Saltwater fish face additional release challenges. Barotrauma (pressure-related injury from depth) affects fish caught in deep water — venting tools or descending devices help them return to depth. Use circle hooks for live bait — they hook in the jaw corner, not the gut, dramatically reducing mortality. Dehooking tools let you release fish without removing them from the water. For reef fish, a descending device is the single most effective tool for survival.

Hook Removal Techniques

Needle-nose pliers or hemostats are essential. For simple hook-ups in the lip or jaw, grip the hook shank and twist out following the curve of the hook. For deeply hooked fish, cut the line as close to the hook as possible rather than digging — the hook will corrode and dissolve within weeks. Circle hooks dramatically reduce deep hooking. For treble hooks on lures, consider replacing them with single hooks or using barbless trebles.

Fish Revival Techniques

An exhausted fish needs help before release. Hold the fish upright in the water, facing into the current if there is one. Gently move the fish forward (never backward — water through the gills in reverse damages them). Wait until the fish kicks strongly and swims away under its own power. In still water, create current by slowly moving the fish in a figure-eight pattern. Do not throw fish back — lower them gently.