Caring for the fish you catch

Fish mortality is a contentious issue but most fish released can survive if they are cared for correctly. It is not simply a matter of tossing them back and hoping for the best, and there are a number of steps you can take to maximise their survival.

Robust species, such as yellowtail kingfish and black marlin, can handle the rigours of catch-and-release, while others such as jewfish and golden snapper suffer from barotrauma and are best released only in shallow water.

Starting at the pointy end, you need to use the right hook and there has been a huge swing towards non-offset circles for all natural bait. Deep-hooked fish have a far greater risk of mortality so always try to pin them in the mouth.

Game fishermen were the first to start using circle hooks to improve hook-up rates and reduce mortality rates for billfish and tuna. Adopted from the longline fishery, this hook is now widely used for all species from whiting to flathead, and kings to blue-eye.

Once hooked up, the next step is to get your fish in fast. This will reduce the chances of tiring the fish out completely and letting those lactic acids build up too much.

The old days of light line and long fights have been replaced by heavy tackle to catch fish quick and get onto the next one. While not as sporting, it aids a successful release and a better-tasting catch, whichever way you choose to go.

How you handle the fish once you’ve landed it is really important too – not just for release but if you plan to keep it for dinner, too. First and foremost, minimise contact and keep the fish in the water as much as possible. Some species, such as billfish, should not be lifted out of the water, and dehooking and photos should all be done boatside.

Other species – kingfish and trout, for example – can be lifted up briefly, but always use wet hands, support the fish, and avoid gripping sensitive areas such as the gills.

Obviously, you shouldn’t allow any fish to flip around on the deck. Not only can it damage itself, but it can endanger the crew as well with hooks and gear flicking about.

One of the best ways to hold a fish is to put your thumb in their mouth and then lock it down against their bottom jaw with your index finger underneath. The other hand can then support the fish midway down its body. You obviously wouldn’t employ this technique on toothy critters such as mackerel!

Ultimately, the best way to look after a fish is to keep them in the drink so that water continues to run over their gills.

Fish all fight differently and, as a result, come to the boat with different levels of exhaustion. It’s easy to assess them and this can help you determine how long they should be revived for.

Marlin are perfect for this job thanks to their bill, which makes a perfect handle and allows you to tow them. Just remember to keep their head submerged so the water is flowing over the gills. When the fish is ready to go they will let you know by paddling their tail or biting down on your fingers.

Some anglers think you need to spear fish into the water to help get the water flowing, but my personal experience is that this action tends to stress the fish. It’s much better to gently lower them into the water while supporting them and let them swim off of their own accord.