Common belief is that going fishing means that you will be coming home with a huge cooler full of your catch that will make for a great meal.  But, what about the option of catch and release fishing?  Not only is a great way to enjoy the sheer sport of angling, it could also be helpful to protecting the ecosystems long-term.

Why catch and release?

There are laws and rules in place to fishing, despite what your cartoons may have told you growing up.  Sometimes, the regulations tell you a fish is under or over the legal limit.  In this case, it is illegal to keep it, and it should be released back into the water.

Another reason is that the catch is so incredible that, after a photo op, you return it back to the water so that someone else can have the exciting opportunity to land the fish later on.

Yet another reason is that many fish populations are plummeting due to global warming and other ecosystem-related issues.  By returning a fish to the water without harm, you’ll be doing your part to help protect the ecosystem by saving every chance of repopulation possible.

How to catch and release properly

As you may already know, there is a set way to catch and release for the best experience (for angler and fish alike).  Here are some tips to make it safe and effective.

Choose and place your gear carefully

When you are fishing, keep catch and release in mind.  Use the right hooks (preferably barbless) and gear to bring a fish in safely and with minimal amount of struggle.  This can needlessly stress and tire the fish so that it may not survive when released.  The right gear will keep the fish from getting injured, too.  Place your catch and release gear close by so that you can keep the process short, sweet and scramble-free.

Practice makes perfect

The more you practice your catch and release technique (which can be situational or fish-based), the better at it you’ll get.  The better you get, the more likelihood that the re-released fish will survive.

Not sure what to do or how to do it?  Consider a charter

When you want to make the most out of your fishing outing, it’s a great idea to consider a professional fishing charter.  Not only will you be able to enjoy great fishing spots and access to different kinds of fish that you otherwise may not have been able to find (or catch), you’ll also be on board with professionals who will help you get a handle — see what we did there? — on catch and release.

You owe it to yourself and your catch to take careful notice of the catch and release way of fishing.  Navigating the reasons behind it, as well as ways of doing it, will help you to become a better angler short- and long-term.  Whether you go with the guidance of a fishing charter, or decide to try it out on your own, these tips will give you the right boost.

Contact Galveston Fishing Charters to book your fishing charter today!