The Dilemma: Keep the Fish You Catch or Release Them?

Many fishing enthusiasts prefer releasing the fish they catch, and many others would like to take them home and eat them for dinner. So what is the right thing to do? Is releasing a fish better than taking it with you? And how to do it in the proper way? Check out advice in this article.

Check If You Have to Release the Fish You Caught

Before you decide what to do with your fish, check legal regulations regarding this matter. You need to abide by the limits that are set by local authorities (for example, state or regional limitations). Usually you have a limit of the total number of fish you can take, as well as the size of them.

Always update your knowledge, because the limitations might change within seasons (for example, when some species are mating), and regarding the particular fish or even body of water (for example ponds and lakes within the borders of natural parks).

Consider the State of the Fish Population

Some studies show that fish populations, especially in the oceans, are at risk of extinction. While this is mostly caused by water pollution, overfishing is also to blame. Of course a big part of the problem is commercial fishing, but you might consider this fact when deciding on whether or not you should release a fish you just caught.

Use Proper Techniques

The only way releasing a fish might be good for the environment and the state of the population is when the fish survives. This is why you need to learn the proper way to catch a fish - to increase its chances of surviving. For example, you shouldn’t remove the hook with a dehooking device, but by using your hand or needle-nose pliers. Your hooks should be barbles to not tear the fish’s flesh. You should also not take a fish out of water or, if you do so, limit the time outside to a minimum (max. time is four minutes).

If you use improper techniques and the fish dies, you don’t help much. In case you know you didn’t do a great job with lining, choosing a hook, and catching the fish, the best option would be to take it home and have it as your meal, instead of wasting it.

Find more information about safe fishing and techniques at https://findyourfish.net/.
Eat Your Fish
Species of fish that live wildly should keep living in the wild. If you decide to take your fish with you, do it only for food purposes. Do not keep a fish in an aquarium or a small pond as it will suffer since it is used to something totally different.
Conclusions

The catch and release method is mostly used to prevent overfishing and is connected to conservation of water environments. If your catching technique is good, you might freely release the fish back into the wild. If you decide to eat your fish, remember to check legal regulations on time, species, and limitations that apply to anglers.

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