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Fish and Wildlife Branch
Angling Ethics
Releasing Fish - The Gentle Way
There is a growing trend among anglers
to catch and release, unharmed, a part of their allowable
catch. As well, more restrictive regulations on specific
waters can severely limit the angler's allowable harvest.
A fish that appears unharmed may not survive if carelessly
handled, so please abide by the following:
- Play and release fish as rapidly
as possible. A fish played for too long may not recover.
- Keep the fish in the water as much
as possible. A fish out of water is suffocating. Internal
injuries and scale loss is much more likely to occur
when out of water.
- Rolling fish onto their backs (while still in the water) may reduce the amount they struggle, therefore minimizing stress.
- Carry needle-nose
pliers or haemostats (surgical pliers). Grab the bend
or round portion of the hook with your pliers, twist
pliers upside down, and the hook will dislodge. Be quick,
but gentle. Single barbless hooks are recommended, if not already
stipulated in the regulations.
- Any legal fish that is deeply hooked, hooked around the gills or bleeding should be retained as part of your quota. If the fish cannot be retained legally, you can improve its chances of survival by cutting the leader and releasing it with the hook left in.
- If a net is used for landing your catch, it should have fine mesh and a knotless webbing to protect the fish from abrasion and possible injury.
- If you must handle the fish, do
so with your bare, wet hands (not with gloves). Keep your fingers out
of the gills, and don't squeeze the fish or cause scales
to be lost or damaged. It is best to leave fish in the water for photos. If you must lift a fish
then provide support by cradling one hand behind the
front fins and your other hand just forward of the tail
fin. Minimize the time out of the water, then hold the fish in
the water to recover. If fishing in a river, point the
fish upstream while reviving it. When the fish begins
to struggle and swim normally, let it go.
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