Date: 11/19/09
Contact: Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127 x 3500

CATCH-AND-RELEASE FISHING TIPS

In recent years, the practice of catch-and-release fishing has caught on with many anglers who participate in the fishing sports for recreation and enjoyment rather than as a food source. As the name implies, catch-and-release fishing involves catching a fish and then letting it go to fight another day, and is a common practice in Las Vegas’ urban ponds.

“People catch-and-release for a variety of reasons,” said Ivy Santee, angler education coordinator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. “For some it is the knowledge that another angler will one day enjoy reeling in the same fish. For others it’s the opportunity to keep fishing on those days when the fishing is really good.”

Whatever the reason, Santee said it’s important for those who practice catch-and-release fishing to use the right technique so the released fish have the best chance of survival. “Catch-and-release anglers should always use single barbless hooks because a treble hook is much more difficult to remove. And if a fish swallows a hook, it’s much better for the fish if you simply cut the line rather than fight to get the hook out. The fish will either dislodge the hook or it will dissolve over time,” said Santee.

It’s also important to keep the fish in the water as long as possible or retrieve the hook without taking the fish out of its environment, a process made much easier with single barbless hooks. When the fish must be taken from the water, anglers should wet their hands before handling the fish and never use a rag or towel to hold the fish, said Santee. Doing so may remove the slick coating on a fish’s body. This coating helps the fish swim easily through the water and protects the fish from disease.

Revive the fish before releasing it. Hold the fish gently with your hands under the belly and slide it slowly back and forth in the water for it to receive oxygen. Eventually the fish will swim away. Simply throwing the fish back in the water without reviving it may kill it.

Something else to keep in mind is that if you catch a fish and give it to someone else, that fish still counts in your bag limit. Giving it to another angler does not erase the fact that you caught and kept a fish. Once your limit is caught you are done.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a Federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.