How to Catch & Release Striped Bass
The concept of catch and release, as it pertains to fishing, helps maintain the population of a particular type of fish, such as striped bass. This in turn, provides better current and future fishing prospects for the same fishery. This is also a much more humane way to treat the fish. The techniques involved in catch and release only differ from traditional fishing in a few minor ways.
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Instructions
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Use hooks that do not have barbs on them. These barbs prevent the fish from getting off the hook, and make releasing them much more difficult. Fish with artificial lures instead of live bait. This will minimize the chances of hooking the bass too deeply.
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Be prepared to remove the hook as quickly as possible. Keep a pair of pliers, or a hook remover nearby or in your pocket to minimize the time the fish is on the hook. If you cannot remove the hook, simply cut the line and the fish may be able to work it out once it is in the water.
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Keep the fish in the water as much as you can. Lean forward to remove the hook so that only its head is out of the water if possible. Once the hook is out, simply let go. The fish will swim away on its own. Do not push or throw the fish.
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Tips & Warnings
Pay attention to water temperature. The bass has a better chance of survival if the water is below 70 degrees when you release it.
Try not to work the fish too hard when reeling it in. An exhausted bass will have a lower chance of survival.
