NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 11, 2009

CDFG California Outdoors Q&As: Reducing stress when fishing catch and release

Contact: Carrie Wilson, Office of Communications, CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov

Question: I enjoy fishing, abide by all laws and keep only what I will consume ?Ķ even when the fish are biting exceptionally well! A while back I heard reports that at San Luis Reservoir the fishing was so good that some people were catching up to 30 fish a day. Considering how stress lowers the survival rate for a lot of fish after being caught and released, are there any regulations regarding such practices? (Daniel S.)

Answer: While catch and release fishing for most fish is legal, it can be very stressful for some fish depending on the species and the conditions. Remember, once an angler has retained his or her daily bag or possession limit, by law they must stop fishing for that species including catch and release fishing.

Studies done to evaluate the stress and mortality levels of striped bass, for example, that were caught and released have shown the mortality rate is probably much higher than most people think. Fish caught during the winter when temperatures were cooler did better following release than those caught during the summer. During the warm weather months when air and water temperatures were high, stress and mortality levels were considerably higher.

Where the fish is hooked, how deep the hook is embedded and how long the fish is played are some of the key factors affecting stress levels. The angler's fishing abilities and how the fish is handled and released can also significantly affect the level of stress and possible resulting mortality the fish may face.

For fish that will be released, try to keep the fish in the water at all times, handle it as little as possible and try not to disrupt their protective slime coat. If the hook appears to be deep and not easily removed, cut the line and leave the hook in the fish. The less time the fish is on the line, the better its chance for survival.

By considering water conditions, air and water temperatures, fishing techniques and how the fish is handled prior to release, anglers can directly influence the well-being of the fish they are catching and releasing, and this goes for all species.

Remember, just because a fish swims away when released, this does not mean damage has not already been done and that the fish won't still die in the upcoming hours or days from the experience. But, by considering all of these factors and trying to minimizing their stress, the fish will have a better chance of survival to be caught again on another day.

(Photo: Angler fishing catch and release available at
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/QandA/2009/20090211.asp)

Question: A lobster fisherman who uses hoops told me that everyone aboard a vessel and hooping for lobster must have a measuring device in possession. I can understand a team of divers having to individually possess a measuring device, but is it true that everyone aboard a small vessel must have their own device or will one measuring device suffice for everyone aboard? (Fred H.)

Answer: Your friend is correct. Every person while taking invertebrates which have a size limit shall carry a device which is capable of accurately measuring the minimum legal size of the species taken (CCR Title 14 Code Section 29.05 [c]). Therefore, everyone must carry their own gauge.

Carrie Wilson is a marine biologist with the California Department of Fish and Game. Her DFG-related question and answer column appears weekly at www.dfg.ca.gov/QandA. While she cannot personally answer everyone's questions, she will select a few to answer each week. Please contact her at CalOutdoors@dfg.ca.gov.