RESPONSIBLE CATCH AND RELEASE

Catch-and-release fishing has been an important part of recreational fishing for some time, and the practice continues to increase in popularity with many throughout the state, as anglers have come to value many fish species – like trout, bass and muskellunge – more for their sporting qualities than as table fare.

Fish responsibly. Alter your method or your gear to minimize hooking mortality. That may mean going to different hooks or setting the hook a little sooner. Apply deeply hooked fish to your bag limit and release the fish that have a good survivable hookup. In some cases, if fish are badly hooked (for instance, in the gills) or are obviously stressed, you may not be able to successfully release them. However, every attempt should be made for a positive release.

RESPONSIBLE RELEASE RELATED VIDEOS

RESPONSIBLE RELEASE – FROM A FISH’S PERSPECTIVE

• Catch and release fishing video – MI DNR [exit DNR]
• How to release a fish properly – WY Game and Fish [exit DNR]

FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS FOR A MORE SUCCESSFUL RELEASE

• Land the fish as quickly as possible.
• Keep the fish in the water as much as possible.
• Handle the fish as little as possible. Use wet hands or gloves.
• If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line and let the fish go.
• Treat the fish gently throughout the release.

Following the above guidelines will help improve the fish’s chance of survival after release and allow another angler to enjoy the thrill of catching a quality Wisconsin fish.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES:

• Responsible release presentation [PDF]
• Responsible release wild card – tuck it in your tackle box [PDF]