For many anglers, the joy of fishing on a Stacer boat extends beyond the catch itself. The practice of catch and release allows fish to thrive while preserving the excitement of the sport. However, it's crucial to handle this process with care to ensure the well-being of the fish so it will survive longer and thrive. If you’re not adept at this practice, this article will guide you on how to safely catch and release the fish you’ve caught.

Practice Ethical Fishing

Choose the right gear for the species you're targeting. Lighter gear for smaller fish reduces the risk of injury during the fight. Familiarise yourself with fishing regulations and size limits. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that you're making responsible choices for the conservation of fish populations

Use the Right Hooks

Using the right hooks is crucial for the fish’s survival. Not all fishing hooks are created equal; some cause permanent damage and some don’t hurt the fish at all (well, not that much). For catch-and-release, make use of these hooks to ensure that the fish’s mouth and jaw, won’t get hurt when these hooks snag its mouth:

Barbless Hooks: Opt for these hooks since they are easier to remove, causing less damage to the fish's mouth and reducing the stress of the capture.

Circle Hooks: These are designed to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, minimizing the risk of deep hooking. This makes it easier to remove the hook without causing harm.

Invest in dehooking tools designed for specific types of hooks. These tools can expedite the hook removal process, minimizing stress on the fish.

Understand Fish Behavior

Fight fish with the appropriate tackle to avoid exhausting them. Exhausted fish are more susceptible to predators, and their chances of survival post-release decrease.

Handle Fish with Wet Hands

Wet your hands before handling the fish. Fish have a protective mucous layer on their skin that helps fight off infections. Dry hands can remove this layer, making them more susceptible to diseases. Refrain from using towels or dry cloths to handle the fish, as they can remove the protective slime. If necessary, use a wet cloth or wet your hands frequently.

Keep the Fish in the Water

The longer a fish is out of the water, the more stressed it becomes. Minimise air exposure by keeping the fish in the water as much as possible. Prepare your tools and camera (to capture the event) in advance to reduce handling time. To ensure that you won’t accidentally grip the fish hard; a soft, knotless net to land it. Nets with rubber mesh are less abrasive and gentler on the fish's skin and scales.

Handle Fish Gently

Handle the fish with care to avoid dropping it as this can lead to injuries. If the fish falls onto a hard surface, it may suffer internal injuries that could be fatal. Cradle the fish and support its body. This minimises stress on the fish and reduces the risk of dislocating its jaw or damaging internal organs.

Remove the Hook Quickly

Keep a pair of long-nosed pliers to quickly and efficiently remove the hook. The longer the fish is hooked, the greater the risk of injury. You can also use fish grippers. They are useful for handling toothy fish or those with sharp spines. They allow you to control the fish without putting your hands near its mouth

Minimise Handling Time

Work swiftly to release the fish. Limit handling time to ensure the fish can return to its natural environment as soon as possible.

Revive Exhausted Fish

Hold the fish upright in the water to help water flow through its gills to help revive it. The whole ordeal is taxing for this critter and helping it revive faster can help the fish breathe and move quickly. Move the fish forward in the water, allowing water to flow over its gills. Hold onto the tail gently, moving the fish back and forth to facilitate water circulation.

Release in Cool Waters

If water temperatures are high, consider moving to cooler, deeper waters before releasing the fish. Warmer water holds less oxygen; fish released into such conditions may struggle to recover.

Educate Others

Share your knowledge of catch-and-release practices with fellow anglers. Promoting ethical and responsible fishing practices contributes to the sustainability of fish populations. Demonstrate proper catch and release techniques on the water. By leading by example, you encourage others to follow suit and more people will learn and appreciate the catch-and-release practice, whether they are fishing on river banks or at lakes on their Stacer tinny boats or the ocean on their offshore boats.