Why Should I Practice Catch and Release Fishing?

Catch and release is often a touchy subject with fishermen. Some fishermen are determined to practice catch and release, and demean any fisherman that chooses to keep a fish or two for the frying pan. On the other side of the extreme is the fisherman who keeps anything he catches, without any thought of returning a fish to the water. The best conservation practice is really somewhere in between these extremes.

Catch and release should be practiced because they are essential tools for good conservation. If every fisherman keeps every fish that they catch, a fishery will soon be fished out. Selective harvest has been the friend of outdoorsmen in almost every aspect of game management. By choosing which fish to keep, and which to return to the water, a fisherman can help to develop a strong, healthy fishery.

Which fish should be returned to the water? Younger, smaller fish should always be released back into the water, and allowed to mature. Unfortunately, too often the younger, more naïve fish are caught, and kept so that they never have an opportunity to grow into the kind of fish that are either trophy caliber, or even really good eating size. I have seen fish kept on a stringer that were so small it is hard to believe that anyone could possibly eat them. This is wasteful, and should be avoided!

Another reason to practice catch and release is to protect species of fish that may be in danger of being wiped out. For example, there are many wild trout streams in my home state of West Virginia, which harbor the native Brook Trout. It is legal to fish for these, and it is even legal to keep some. However, this is a delicate fish, and it is common to practice catch and release when fishing these wild trout streams. This is a great practice, since the fish are small, and not particularly suitable for eating, unless you happen to catch some larger specimens. Catch and release ensures that these beautiful fish are preserved for the next generation of fishermen.

Sometimes, catch and release is dictated by the law. There are certain stretches of water that are designated as catch and release only. On these waters, fishermen should be diligent to follow the law, and check all regulations to ensure they are not violating minor points. Many waters designated as catch and release have further regulations about the number of hooks a lure can have, and whether or not those hooks can have barbs. These designations are often controlled by the local state's Department of Natural Resources office. Special care should be taken while fishing areas such as this to ensure that you do not harm fish. It is illegal to keep fish in these sections, which can cause problems if you harm a fish to the point that it will die if released to the water.

One final reason to practice catch and release is to enjoy the sport even if you don't plan on keeping the fish for the frying pan. There are many people who participate in fishing simply for the enjoyment of the sport. They have no intention of eating the fish, or sending them to the taxidermist.

Certainly, the greatest reason for practicing catch and release fishing is for conservation purposes. However, these are a few other reasons to practice catch and release. There is nothing wrong with keeping a few fish now and then if the fishing regulations permit it. But, remember, put the sport first, and practice catch and release whenever it is beneficial to the fish you are pursuing.