Fishing has long been a treasured pastime, a connection between humanity and nature that stretches back generations. Whether for sustenance, sport, or leisure, fishing has played a significant role in cultures around the world. However, as the demand for fish grows and ecosystems face increasing pressures, responsible angling has become more important than ever. One of the most effective conservation practices adopted by anglers is “catch and release,” a method that allows fish to be returned to the water after being caught, preserving fish populations and ensuring the sustainability of fisheries for future generations.
The concept of catch-and-release is rooted in the idea of conservation and ethical angling. By returning fish to their natural habitat rather than harvesting them, anglers can help maintain healthy populations and reduce the impact of overfishing. Catch and release fishing is also a requirement for protected species (e.g. garibaldi, giant sea bass, and green sturgeon), and for species that have size minimums such as redtail surfperch (10 ½ inches total length). While some may argue that taking a few fish for personal consumption is harmless, the cumulative effect of anglers removing fish from waterways can be significant, particularly for species that are slow-growing or have low reproductive rates. In heavily fished areas, catch-and-release practices can be crucial in preventing population declines and maintaining ecological balance.
A key reason why catch-and-release is so important lies in its role in sustaining fish populations. Many species, such as bass, trout, and certain types of game fish, rely on strong, stable populations to maintain their ecological roles. If too many fish are removed from a particular area, it can lead to imbalances in the food chain, affecting both predator and prey species. By practicing catch-and-release, anglers help ensure that fish populations remain robust, which in turn supports a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
Additionally, some fish species, particularly trophy-sized specimens, take years to reach maturity, and removing them can have long-term consequences for their populations.
Beyond population sustainability, catch-and-release promotes ethical fishing practices. Recreational fishing is often viewed as a sport, but it also carries responsibilities. Anglers who practice catch-and-release demonstrate respect for the resource and an understanding of their role in conservation. Ethical angling involves handling fish with care to minimize stress and injury, using appropriate gear to reduce harm, and following best practices to ensure the highest chance of survival for released fish. Simple techniques such as wetting hands before handling fish, using barbless hooks, and releasing fish quickly back into the water can significantly increase their chances of survival.
While catch-and-release is an effective conservation tool, its success depends on proper handling techniques. The way a fish is caught, handled, and released directly impacts its survival rate. Studies have shown that fish subjected to excessive handling, long air exposure, or improper hook removal experience higher mortality rates even after being released.
When The Log asked CDFW biologist Armand Barilotti and team members Dianna Porzio and Ken Oda about the most common mistakes anglers make when practicing catch-and-release, they emphasized that even well-intended anglers can inadvertently harm fish. To ensure the highest survival rates, they recommend several best practices. One key guideline is to avoid playing a fish too long, as prolonged struggle increases physical stress, even if the fish appears to swim away unharmed.
“Landing your fish as carefully and quickly as possible reduces physical stress which may cause harm even though the fish may swim away,” they explained. Another common mistake is unnecessarily removing fish from the water. Keeping gill filaments moist by unhooking and releasing fish underwater is preferred. They also advise against using a corded net, which can remove the fish’s protective slime coating, increasing susceptibility to infection. Instead, they recommend a rubber landing net to minimize damage. Beaching fish can also be harmful, as contact with rocks or rough surfaces can cause injury. “Allowing the fish to come into contact with the deck of a boat or any other rough surface increases the likelihood of infection,” they noted, stressing the importance of handling fish carefully.
Improper unhooking techniques can also cause injury. Anglers should only remove hooks that are visible and easy to extract, while deep-hooked fish should have the line clipped near the mouth rather than forcing hook removal. “Use artificial lures to minimize deep hooking,” they advised, adding that barbless hooks or hooks with flattened barbs make unhooking easier and less stressful. When handling fish, keeping them out of water for only a few seconds and using wet hands can reduce stress and prevent damage. Avoiding pressure on the eyes and gills is also crucial to prevent permanent injury. For fish experiencing barotrauma, they strongly encourage the use of descending devices to return them to their original depth safely. More information on descending devices can be found through CDFW at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Groundfish/Rockfish-Barotrauma-and-Descending-Devices.
Beyond individual angler practices, catch-and-release also plays a role in broader conservation efforts. Many fisheries management agencies encourage or mandate catch-and-release for certain species, particularly those facing population declines or seasonal vulnerabilities. In some cases, strict regulations are in place to ensure that certain species have a chance to spawn before being caught and kept. Catch-and-release has also been widely adopted in competitive fishing tournaments, where rules are designed to minimize harm to fish while still allowing anglers to participate in the sport they love. Advances in technology, such as live-well aeration systems and non-invasive tagging methods, have further improved the survival rates of fish caught and released in such events.
Although catch-and-release is a valuable conservation strategy, it is not without its challenges. Critics argue that the practice can still cause harm to fish if not done properly, leading to delayed mortality or sublethal effects that affect growth and reproduction. However, research has shown that when best practices are followed, survival rates are high, often exceeding 90 percent. Furthermore, as awareness of proper catch-and-release techniques grows, more anglers are adopting methods that minimize harm and increase the likelihood of fish survival. Education campaigns, workshops, and informational materials provided by conservation organizations have played a crucial role in promoting responsible fishing practices.
In addition to its ecological benefits, catch-and-release fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural world. For many anglers, fishing is not just about catching fish but about the experience of being on the water, observing wildlife, and enjoying the outdoors. By choosing to release fish, anglers can contribute to the long-term health of fisheries while still enjoying the thrill of the catch. This mindset aligns with the principles of stewardship and sustainability, encouraging a culture of respect for the environment and its resources. As more people recognize the importance of conservation, catch-and-release has become a symbol of responsible angling and a commitment to preserving the sport for future generations.
According to Barilotti, Porzio, and Oda, the most recent regulations promoting catch-and-release fishing in California include emergency measures adopted last October for the recreational catch-and-release of white sturgeon. These new rules establish specific seasons, closed areas, gear and handling restrictions, and report card requirements for both inland and ocean waters. The regulation aims to balance conservation efforts with recreational fishing by allowing catch-and-release opportunities while mitigating economic impacts on fishing-related businesses. Anglers can find more details about the white sturgeon catch-and-release fishery in the 2025 Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations.
Ultimately, the future of fishing depends on the actions of those who participate in it. Catch-and-release is one of the most effective ways for anglers to contribute to conservation while still enjoying their passion for fishing. By embracing ethical handling techniques, supporting fisheries management efforts, and educating others about the benefits of releasing fish, anglers can play a vital role in protecting aquatic ecosystems.
The responsibility of maintaining healthy fish populations rests not just on regulatory agencies but on every individual who casts a line. Through mindful fishing practices, anglers can ensure that future generations will have the same opportunities to experience the joy of fishing, just as those before them have. In a world where environmental pressures continue to mount, adopting sustainable fishing practices is not just a choice — it’s a necessity.
