What’s the best way to release freshwater fish unharmed?


by California Department of Fish & Wildlife
3-10-2022
Website

A: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) recommends these five tips:

  1. Land your fish as carefully and quickly as possible.
  2. Try to avoid removing the fish from the water. Underwater unhooking and release is preferred.
  3. Do not squeeze the fish, or touch its eyes or gills.
  4. Remove only those hooks that you can see and remove easily, otherwise clip the line near the mouth on deep hooked fish.
  5. Use artificial lures (no bait) to minimize deep hooking. Barbless hooks or hooks with flattened barbs make unhooking easier and less stressful on the fish.

For more information see CDFW’s 2021-2022 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations (PDF).





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