Catch and release is where a fish is caught but returned to the water to help preserve fish stocks. Almost all rivers in UK and Ireland encourage catch and release and in many cases it is now compulsory. FishPal is firmly supportive of this initiative - as anglers we must do our bit to conserve our wild game fish. Please release fish at all times, and consult the terms & conditions at your particular fishery so you know the rules.
This page is to give advice on best practice to increase the chances of the fish surviving.
Playing the fish
If you are 'playing' a salmon or trout you can significantly help its chances of survival by applying the information below. It is worth bearing in mind that less than 7% of smolts return as spawning adults, therefore, it is vitally important that the angler is able to return their fish with confidence.
Ensure your rod is strong enough to subdue a fish quickly 1 minute per pound weight is a reasonable suggestion for time for landing a fish. To avoid exhausting the fish use strong leader, for example at least 15lb for a salmon. Salmon are not renowned for being cautious about leader visibility. When playing the fish it is the anglers aim to move it out of the fast current into quieter water and have the angler positioned slightly downstream of the fish.
By being below the fish you are able to ensure it is battling the current as well as the anglers tackle whereas if the angler is upstream of the fish the angler is fighting both the current and the fish. The fight time is therefore lengthened, perhaps un-necessarily. Make sure you pick a safe place to bring the fish in, and once the fish is subdued bring it quickly towards you for hand or net capture.
Landing the fish
Research has shown that exposing a salmon or trout to air for even a short period, for example to take a photograph, can significantly reduce its chances of survival. Keep the fish in the water at all times. Do not at any time lift a fish by its tail or gills as this can cause potentially fatal damage. Later in the season near spawning time, lifting a fish by the tail can rupture the egg sacs in females and milt sacs in males, which can kill the fish. At all times support its belly whilst handling the fish in the water.
Use a large Gye-type landing net with knotless mesh which reduces damage to the fish's scales. Don't 'beach' the fish as this can remove protective mucous and scales, which can lead to fungal infection. A fish cannot be gaffed or mechanically tailed, as both implements will cause considerable damage and probably kill it.
Always handle the fish with wet hands, or with wet soft cotton gloves, when removing the hook from the fish's mouth. This prevents removing the fish's mucous which is its first line of defence against disease and parasites.
It is very important that the fish is kept in the water after being captured and the fish should be supported from beneath, with the hook gently removed either by hand or by means of long-nosed forceps or hook releasing tool. If a hook is deeply embedded and cannot be removed, the leader should be cut close to the hook, as fish released with the hook attached will generally survive. Do not squeeze the fish too hard, and never hold it by the gills.
