Catch-and-Release Fishing Best Practices

Evidence-based catch-and-release practices can significantly reduce welfare impacts on fish while maintaining the recreational and conservation benefits of angling.

Key Facts

Post-release survival of properly handled fish can exceed 95% under optimal conditions
Air exposure of more than 30 seconds significantly increases post-release mortality in many species
Temperature above 20 degrees Celsius dramatically reduces catch-and-release survival in cold water fish
Deeply hooked fish have much higher post-release mortality than lip-hooked fish
Lure fishing causes less injury than bait fishing because fish are less likely to deeply ingest lures
Knotted nets cause more scale and mucus damage than knotless nets during landing and handling

Welfare Considerations

Catch-and-release fishing exists on a welfare spectrum from highly harmful to minimally harmful depending entirely on how it is practiced. Research has established clear evidence-based guidelines that, if followed, substantially reduce the welfare impact on released fish. The key variables are air exposure time, water temperature, hook type, net type, and hook removal technique. The challenge is that recreational anglers vary enormously in their awareness of and adherence to best practices, and the most welfare-compromising behaviors - prolonged air exposure for photographs, warm water fishing - are among the most common. Angling organizations and regulators have an opportunity to shift norms toward more welfare-conscious practices through education and where necessary regulation.

What You Can Do

Learn and follow evidence-based catch-and-release best practices from your angling association
Use barbless hooks and knotless nets to minimize injury during landing and release
Limit air exposure to under 30 seconds and use a timer to stay accountable
Stop fishing for salmonids when water temperature exceeds safe thresholds
Support angling club programs that incorporate fish welfare into member education