05_2025_REELLIFE_digital - Flipbook - Page 11
fishing
and Release
CATCHCatch
&
RELEASE
Fishing
By Brent Knight
FISHING
BY BRENT KNIGHT
As many anglers know, our
fishing opportunities in
Washington are dwindling,
specifically when we are
talking about salmon and
steelhead. With retention
opportunities waning, we
are often fishing in catchand-release fisheries, which
are very misunderstood.
I was recently reminded by
someone from the State
of Washington that as
outdoor writers, we have
a responsibility to educate
readers about topics such
as the ethical handling of
fish that we will release. We
all want a picture or two of
our trophy catch, but we
should always place the
mortality of the fish ahead
of ourselves.
Please note that I took
much of the information
below from an Oregon
Department of Fish and
Wildlife article written in
2019 and titled, Catch-andrelease: Tips to reduce
fish mortality. One very
important note to share.
ODFW will allow anglers
to take a fish out of the
water before releasing
it. In Washington, it is
illegal to remove a fish
from the water that must
be released. One way
anglers can help maintain
and restore native fish
populations is to learn how
to catch and release wild
fish properly. Before fishing,
anglers should always
consult WDFW fishing
regulations for any harvest
restrictions.
Here are some tips for the
safe and ethical release of
a wild fish or a hatchery
fish that is caught out of
season.
LAND THE FISH QUICKLY. A fish
on the end of the line is
under stress, so don't play
the fish to utter exhaustion.
Severe exhaustion reduces
the fish’s odds of surviving.
SUPPORT THE FISH WHEN
BRINGING IT IN. Support the
fish underwater in a natural
position, handling it as little
as possible. Give it time
to recover and keep it in
the water, it needs all the
oxygen it can get from the
water passing over its gills.
USE BARBLESS HOOKS. Bring
the fish quickly within
reach. Leave the fish in
the water and, without
squeezing it, remove the
hook carefully with longnosed pliers or thumb and
forefinger. If necessary, cut
the leader near the hook,
which will dissolve over
time.
