Responsible Fishing
Last Updated
29th May, 2009
It is the duty of every angler to protect fish stocks for future generations. This is even more important as a recreational visitor to a foreign land. In some cases this concept does not exist locally and it is as much our responsibility to ensure that it becomes standard. Far better that anglers worldwide act as stewards of their own sport than to have others impose rules and regulations without us.
We can all avoid fishing during spawning seasons, and most will be willing to support local initiatives to protect endangered fisheries.
We should all take steps to ensure that fish caught purely for sport are returned alive and well. I've put together some basic steps that will help more fish released survive to fight another day and, more importantly, to be in a fit state to reproduce and keep the waterway stocked naturally.
I hope there will be contributions on this topic. If you have something to say please us the 'Send us your story' link at the bottom of the page.
Responsible Fishing
Best Practices for Catch & Release
- Use only barbless hooks, or regular hooks with their barb pinched closed
- Use only techniques that result in a proper hook placement. Fly fishing rarely results in damage to the fish
- Use tackle that is sufficiently strong that you can land fish without a prolonged struggle. A long fight can leave a fish in a weak and vulnerable state
- Use a net only when appropriate. We provide special Catch & Release nets for all anglers to minimize any damage
- Barbless hooks should be easy to remove. Use the hook remover provided, or any other suitable tool, to release the hook with a turning motion - preferably with the fish still in the water
- If you have difficulty removing the hook consider inverting the fish. Fish in this position stop struggling and you may then be able to concentrate on the task in-hand, and do less damage as a result
- Even badly damaged fish should be returned to the river. It is not always possible to ascertain whether the fish will survive but, even if not, the fish will become food for something in the local chain
- If you want to hold the fish out of the water for a photo, be quick and careful
- Make sure the camera is ready before you lift the fish out of the water;
- Use wet hands to support the fish in a horizontal position; and
- Avoid anything that might harm the protective layer of slime around the fish's scales.
- Do not place the fish on the ground
- Never hold a fish by the tail or gills
- Once the hook is removed, hold the fish in the water until it has recovered sufficiently to swim away. It helps to hold the fish facing upstream. If there is little current you can move the fish in a way that produces a flow of water through the mouth
Protecting fish stocks makes sense. Please do your bit
HookOff Catch & Release
In order to encourage Responsible Fishing on our Fishing Holidays we are giving a HookOff device to each angler that books with us.
HookOff Catch & Release
Designed to the easiest and quickest, most effective and sensitive technique of releasing
... without handling the fish or removing it from the water!
A new fish hook remover system, developed by anglers for anglers who are environmentally sensitive and practice 'catch and release' fishing.
Keeping You and Your Fish Safe
www.HookOff.com
INSTRUCTIONS
- Hook the flanged loop over the leader.
- Slide HookOffTM down leader, over the fly to the curve of the hook.
- Keeping the leader taut - move the leader parallel to the water ... and lift HookOffTM slightly to release the fish.
Please be sure your fish is active and strong enough for release.
FEATURES
- Lightweight cork handle that floats the HookOffTM system, should it be dropped into the water.
- Attached metal safety whistle that allows the angler to seek help, assistance or simply to announce 'fish on' to his/her companions.
- 'Bull Dog' clip that secures the HookOffTM system to any convenient location (vest, lanyard or shirt) for quick and easy access.
- The HookOffTM release flange will not damage your fly.
- Works as effectively with a net.
- Conveniently holds fly and leader after the fish is released.
HookOffTM
Keeping you and Your Fish Safe
PO Box 942 - Lafayette, CA 94549
www.HookOff.com