Wrote this report for my grade 12 geography final project, tell me what you think:
Catch and Release: More than Meets the Eye
Introduction:
In Canada, fishing is amongst one of the most popular pastimes and sports enjoyed by many people, young or old. The method of catch-and-release is becoming an increasingly popular practice among many anglers. A study conducted in 2000 revealed that 95% of anglers surveyed practice catch-and-release (Casselman, S.J. 2005).This increase of catch-and-release is due to regulations as well as a technique of conservation voluntarily practised by many anglers. Unfortunately, there is a lack of understanding when it comes to safe catch-and-release practices in regards to fish mortality associated with angling. However, numerous studies have been conducted to lower fish mortality rate and heighten angler awareness. This report will include; information about specific species that are popularly fished for, how fish are affected by improper catch-and-release techniques and guidelines to improve these improper practices.
How Unsafe Fish Handling Increases Fish Mortality:
Unknowingly, many anglers are killing fish due to poor angling practices. Generally, the amount of air a fish is exposed to will determine its chances of survival. Most released fish mortalities connect back to length of air exposure. The length of playing time in combination with the air exposure will largely affect the mortality rate of a fish. After a fish has had the fight of its lifetime, the heartbeat of the fish is heightened due to the demand of gas exchange through the blood and gills. In many cases, the fish is held out of water right after this exhaustion and the exposure to air causes the gill lamellae to collapse. As result this causes a loss of gas transfer. A study conducted in 1992 shows the direct correlation between air exposure and released fish mortality (Casselma, S.J. 2005).
“Rainbow trout that were chased for approximately 10 min had a survival rate of 88%, however this fell to 62% for fish that were subsequently exposed to air for 30 s and survival was only 28% for fish exposed to air for 60 s.” – (Casselma, S.J. pg. 10)
These statistics show how quickly a fish’s survival rate can plummet from just one minute of air exposure. Hook type, choice of bait and hooking location all affect the fish’s chance of survival. Today there is a wide variety of hook style, size and make. Studies prove that choosing a circle hook rather than a conventional J-style hook reduces fish mortality by approximately 50% (Casselma, S.J. 2005). In the same study, hooking location and the use of live vs. artificial baits were put into contrast. These three variants all connect back to length of air exposure. Live bait leads to a higher chance of deep hooking as a fish will naturally consume their prey aggressively. These deep hookings lead to fish abrasions and oftentimes longer air exposure as anglers attempt to remove the hook which may also cause bleeding from the fish. If a fish is hooked deep, there is a greater chance of fish survival rate if line is cut as close to the hook as possible, 59% survival rate if hook is left and 25% if hook is removed. Depth of capture also plays an important role in released fish mortality rate. Much like scuba divers, fish can experience “the bends”; where depressurization occurs quickly and may lead to hemorrhaging and death (Gries, Gabe, 2014). While many anglers believe they are helping the fish with the use of a landing net, the opposite may be true. When a landing net was used, fish mortality was recorded as 4%-14%. This increase was due to loss of scales and mucus therefore leading to possibility of disease. As the use of landing nets may increase fish mortality rate, if a large fish is caught it is wise to use a landing cradle to safely land fish without mechanical injury. As stated, there are many variants that can affect the likelihood of fish mortality. Knowledge and consideration of safe fish handling is the best power that will help augment the rate of fish survival. A study conducted on 50 SDCI students showed that only 50% of students consider safe fish handling while fishing. In addition, the average importance of safe fish handling was rated 6 out of 10 by students (Schmidt, Dave. P.C). This survey shows that students need to be educated on the results of poor fish handling and proper techniques when catching and releasing fish.
Catch-and-Release Guidelines:
As outlined in Catch-and-Release Angling: A review with Guidelines For Proper Fish Handling Practices, Bish & Fish: Trout Dying to Get a Good Photo and ASFatlanticsalmon’s video: Live Release of Wild Atlantic Salmon; six guidelines should be followed to ensure the preservation of fish and increase proper fish handling techniques. These six guidelines include: angling techniques, landing, handling and photographing, unhooking, depressurization and lastly, revival of the fish.
Angling Techniques:
Angling techniques start with the hook. As viewed earlier in this report, the choice of hook can dramatically change the survival rate of a fish. Choosing a circle hook or a barbless hook greaters the chance of fish survival as circle hooks decrease the chance of deep hookings and barbless hooks decrease handling time which translates to higher fish survival rates. Line and lure choice will also affect fish survival rates. Fish naturally will consume live bait more aggressively than artificial bait. This can lead to hooks being deeply impeded in the fish’s throat otherwise known as the fish “swallowing” the hook. Thus the choice of artificial lures should be encouraged. Line suitable for the targeted fish should also be used; this prevents line breakage and playing time. Lastly, avoidance of fishing in extreme weather should be considered.
Landing:
When hooked into a fish, quickly retrieve as quickly as possible. Do not overplay the fish as this leads to fish exhaustion. When landing the fish, use wet hands when possible and avoid the use of a net if not necessary. If a net is required for larger fish, be sure it is knotless and made of soft rubber rather than nylon. For large fish such a pike and muskellunge consider the use of a landing cradle.
Unhooking:
While keeping the fish underwater, quickly remove the hook with the use of needle nose pliers or forceps. Remember you are not a fish surgeon, if a hook is “swallowed” or deeply embedded in the fish’s mouth cut the line as close to the hook as possible rather than trying to tear it out.
Handling and Photographing:
Photo evidence of the prize fish just caught is great to show friends however the life of the fish is more important. To begin, it is imperative to wet hands prior to handling fish. Keep the fish in the water for as long as possible while preparing for the photo. Have the camera ready in order to minimize air exposure. While holding the fish, be sure to cradle it horizontally and support the body to avoid internal damage. Avoid “lipping” or holding heavy fish by their jaw and never touch the eyes or gills of a fish.
Depressurization:
When choosing to fish in water deeper than 30 feet, catch-and-release should be avoided. The depth of fish capture should be considered when deciding to release or eat your catch. Avoid the technique of “fizzing” a fish; instead the use of a weighted apparatus should be used to bring the fish quickly back down to the depth it came from.
Revival:
Lastly, when you are ready to release your catch back into the wild, revival will greatly increase the chance of survival. Hold the fish upright, into the current to insure flow through the gill plates. If there is no water current, gently move the fish through the water back and forth until there is gill movement. When the fish is ready, it will struggle and swim away.
Note: these are general fish handling guidelines and are not species specific.
These six guidelines will conserve the life of an angled fish and will ensure a greater chance of fish survival. Remember that the future of the fish will determine fishing for further generations. A recommendation is that when acquiring an Ontario Fishing License, the applicant must be educated and understand safe fish handling and its importance.
Conclusion:
As the method of catch and release is on the rise amongst many anglers, it is important to remember these methods and statistics in order to conserve one of Canada’s best pastimes. As an avid angler, I believe safe catch and release methods should be well practiced because these techniques will lead to greater future generations of fish and fishing opportunities. “Let it go, let it grow” is a saying that I strongly follow, being sure fish are released properly to ensure future growth and generations of great fishing. Like stated before, knowledge is the best power. Knowing how to properly handle, angle and treat a caught fish will greatly increase chances of a successful release. Read up, share and improve safe fish handling skills in order to help Canada’s best pastime and sport. Tight lines.
