Sustainable fishing methods and environmentally friendly practices are needed to save the ocean from the disastrous effects of irresponsible and unsustainable fishing practices. Destructive fishing methods and overfishing have unfortunately destroyed large portions of marine habitat and depleted ocean species almost to the point of no return leading to shortages of resources and extinct marine species.

We can still save the ocean before it’s too late. As an angler, it is your responsibility to partake in ethical and sustainable fishing methods to lessen the negative impact of harmful fishing and help the ocean heal and thrive once again.  

The steps listed below will ensure the continuity of the fisheries:

Fish Handling

Game fishing involves catching large and elusive fish species which, if caught, is considered a win. When this achievement is done, anglers usually take pictures with big grins on their faces, holding their prized possession. Nowadays, it’s more common for anglers to catch fish, handle them carefully for a photo op, and then take the fish back to the water carefully to let them see another day.

If your target species is not your personal best or one, you’d consider a trophy, consider releasing the fish back. in the water. By doing this, it will have a much better chance of survival. You will always want a photo opportunity with a trophy and take a fish or three home for a feed.

With the advent of selfie sticks, it’s now easier to photograph or video a wahoo at your Stacer Ocean Ranger boat side. Just make sure your selfie stick is in position and ready to go before you gently lift the fish for your pose. Make it quick and gently lower the fish, and swim the fish ready for release.

However, if you caught a fish that is bigger and better compared to your previous catches and you want that photo inside the boat, there are a few things you can do to let that fish have a better chance of survival (especially if that fish species have been imposed with strictly limited fishing regulations):

You need to use a gaff, which is a large stick with a hook at the tip, on really big fish species. You can gaff the fish through the bottom jaw. Be careful not to pierce the tongue as this can cause the fish to bleed out. Always support the belly of the fish and its tail when you’re lifting it.

A lot of fish have slippery bodies so you may want to gently place them on deck. If it’s a sunny day, never put the fish on a hot deck. Have a mat ready that is already washed down so you can use it to lay the fish on. Use a bucket of water and pour it over its gills.

Don’t waste time taking a photo with the fish. Get the angler who caught the fish to ready himself, whether he should stand or sit down. Let his mates lift the fish before placing it on his lap or his hands. This careful technique prevents the fish from getting dropped on the deck. After the photoshoot is over, place the fish back in the water and hold its tail until it slowly comes back to life.

Fishing with Barbless Hooks

Barbless hooks, not only make it easier to release but reduce the risk to the angler as well.  These small yet useful marine supplies for fishing reduce lip and jaw damage to the fish. Also, if you ever end up with a stray hook while handling a thrashing fish, barbless hooks are easier to remove reducing injury to your hand. You or your mate can easily get rid of the hook which will save you a trip to the hospital.

Catch and Release Fishing

As mentioned before, if you throw back fish into the water, you give them the chance to live, mate, and produce healthy offspring which will help their species to flourish. Be sure to learn the techniques espoused by catch-and-release experts, such as using a circle hook, which is less likely to catch a fish’s gut and improves its chances of survival upon release.

But there are some instances when you can help preserve or improve the aquatic ecosystem by not throwing back certain fish. We’re talking about invasive species, which have become a major problem in some waterways, gobbling up food and displacing native species.

Only by collectively working with the fishing community can we prevent a stock collapse of fish and restoration of endangered marine life.