So what is it exactly that you do with the fish you catch? For some, they abide the philosophy of keeping enough for their meal and releasing the rest. The best fish would be the freshest ones. Even though you're not into cooking them yourselves, a lot of local restaurants can offer you preparations for a fresh catch meal. Sitting down on a meal of fish that you just caught would be the perfect ending for one great fishing day. Most consider it to be one of the most satisfying things to do that anyone can accomplish!



Why Conserve?

Fish is a renewable resource. Thus, proper management and techniques are needed to ensure their survival and the abundance of the resource for the future generations. In fact, overfished stocks would require years of regulatory actions and monitoring to restore its fishery level into one that is self-sufficient and self-sustaining.

Additionally, for every year that passes, there seems to be more restrictions in regards to the recreational bags. Even size limits are imposed. All of these due to the occurrence of overfishing which is in consequence of improved technology.

The Solution

Practicing the habit of catch and release is actually one of the ways in which recreational anglers like you could help ensure the health and prosperity of the future fisheries. In this way, you can also guarantee everybody's opportunity to have a fun day of deep sea fishing that is concluded with a scrumptious and satisfying meal.

Here are some of the ways in which you can help ensure survival of the fish that you release and get some satisfaction by returning your catch to its environment.

Get Your Tackle Right

First off you should make sure that your tackle matches the fish you're targeting. Although it may not seem obvious, doing this can ensure its safety once you release it back into the waters. If your tackle is too light, it would be exhausted by the moment you land it. Thus due to its exhaustion, it could be a very easy target for predators when release it back to the waters; since it couldn't swim that fast anymore.

Customize Your Hook

Customizing your hook is yet another way to conserve your catch. By simply using a pair of pliers, you can mash down your hook's barb. Doing this would enable you for an easier release of the catch and better safety on its side. Another great addition to the terminal tackle you'll be doing would be circle hooks. When the catch swallows the hook, all you have to do is cut the line closely as you can to your hook, then release your catch as quickly as you can.

Don't Suffocate It

As much as possible, while releasing your catch leave it in the water. If there is no choice but to handle it out of the water, then be sure that you wet your hands. You should do this to reduce the removal of its protective slime layer that covers it. The removal of this layer can make your catch susceptible to disease once it goes back to the waters.

Hold It Right Handling the fish is important too. You should make sure that you don't grab it in its gills or eyes, since these are very sensitive areas that fish need for survival.