DNR Reminds Anglers To Use Extra Care In Summer Catch-and-Release Fishing

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service Director Eric Schwaab today reminded anglers that extra care must be used when catching and releasing fish in hot weather. Catch-and-release mortality studies have shown that under most circumstances catch-and-release hook and line fishing has a low mortality of the released fish. However, there are circumstances under which release mortality can be high.

Studies conducted in Maryland with striped bass, hickory and American shad, white perch and summer flounder have shown that physical injury and physiological stress are the two major causes of the death of a released fish. It is the angler's responsibility to minimize those factors over which he has control.

The physical injury from hook wounds (deep hooking) is the single highest contributor to release mortality of many species of fish. The use of circle hooks while chumming for striped bass will reduce the frequency of deep hooking, and the mortality of deep hooked fish is lower with circle hooks than conventional J-style bait hooks. Studies by DNR's Fisheries Service have demonstrated that deep hooked striped bass will die approximately 50% of the time regardless of temperature, salinity or whether or not the hook is removed. To the extent possible, a deep hooked legal striped bass should be used as part of your legal creel limit.

Stress from the physical exertion of fighting can cause a higher rate of mortality among released fish when temperatures are high and salinity is low. Minimize the fight time by using tackle stout enough to land the fish quickly. Exposure of the fish to air temperatures above 95 F will also cause higher mortality. When air temperatures are extreme, anglers should consider reducing catch and release activity once legal creel limits have been reached. Alternatively, the angler should keep the fish completely in the water during release.

Be prepared ahead of time to release the fish in the water by means of a dehooking device. If the fish must be removed from the water use a soft rubber net and a wet cloth while handling the fish and have pliers available for hook removal. Bending down the barb on any type of hook can speed up the release time to the benefit of the angler and the fish.

"Our fish populations deserve the best handling care we can possibly provide," said Schwaab. "We know that with these few reminders, we can count on our anglers to continue to lead the way to ensure high rates of survival among released fish."

Posted: 8-9-2000