Catch and release thread

[voyager35]

I started doing some searching about the push to catch and release and when it originated.
From what I gather it started in the early 1970's. However, catch and release was more fully practiced in the 1980's.

Do you remember the first time you caught and released a keeper? What brought you to the point where you decided this was something you wanted to do?

[skinner]

Catch & release fishing helps to maintain a healthy striped bass fishery. Most trophy sized striped bass - fish measuring 40 inches or longer - are usually females. Known as cows, these large females lay many times more eggs than their smaller sisters and are essential for maintaining healthy breeding populations of striped bass. Safe catch & release fishing of these large cows will help to ensure future generations of these spectacular fish for years to come.
Difficulty: Easy
Instructions


Step 1


Successful catch & release fishing begins with choices in fishing tackle. Use circle hooks, which are swallowed much less frequently than traditional hooks and save unnecessary internal injury to the fish. Circle hooks are very effective for catching stripers, and setting the hook properly usually results in catching the corner of the bass's mouth.

Step 2
Remove the barbs from the treble hooks of lures and poppers used for catch & release fishing. Treble hooks often cause multiple deep wounds, and imbedded hooks require pliers and extra force to remove. Use a set of pliers to simply flatten the barb, or use a metal file to remove the barb quickly while sharpening the treble hooks. A barb is not necessary to hook and land a high percentage of aggressive striper hits; keep the line taunt and the rod tip high while playing and landing your fish.

Step 3
Landing the fish quickly will help to keep the bass strong for a safe catch & release fishing. Grab the striped bass firmly by the lower jaw, and use your other hand to support the mid section of large fish while lifting and holding the fish out of the water. Do not hold the fish by the gills.

Step 4

Use a hook extractor or pliers to remove imbedded hooks. Grab the hook as close to the point as possible, while gently yet firmly twisting and backing out the hook. Pliers or a hook extractor provides extra leverage without putting unnecessary pressure against the fish. Removing hooks with as little injury as possibls increases the suvival rates in catch & release fishing.
Step 5


Return the striper to the water as quickly as possible, but catch & release fishing of an exhausted and disoriented striped bass before it has time to recover is lethal. Hold the fish in the water by its tail while supporting the midsection, and within a few minutes, a healthy and uninjured fish will begin to regain its strength. Taking the time to allow a tired fish to recover fully before allowing it to swim off on its own will significantly increase its chances to survive and to fight again on another day.

[DarkSkies]

C&R bass, my first of many C&R fish this year, 28".

[seamonkey]

Good thread keep up the good work!