| Once you make the decision that you want to | | | | method, the fish should gain its energy back |
| become part off the world of fly fishing, you | | | | quickly. When you feel the fish try to pull away, |
| have to then decide if you are going to keep | | | | gently release your hold on it. Using the catch and |
| your catches or release them back into the water | | | | release method of fly fishing can be very |
| safe and sound. Some fishermen keep all the fish | | | | rewarding. |
| they catch, others release all that they catch, and | | | | Often fishermen believe they should release the |
| some choose to use a combination of the two. | | | | smaller fish that they catch and keep the larger |
| These fly fishermen keep only what they are | | | | ones. They might not be aware that the larger |
| going to eat, or give to other people to eat, and | | | | fish usually represent the more genetically suitable |
| release all of the other fish they catch. | | | | spawner. They are the ones that are the most |
| If you decide to practice fly fishing using the | | | | valuable fish for keeping a healthy species. It is |
| catch and release method, it is very important | | | | wiser to keep the smaller fish to eat and release |
| that you crush the barb of the hook you are | | | | the larger ones back into the water. |
| going to use. The other choice is to use a hook | | | | Some people while fly fishing, feel that it is all right |
| without barbs. This is done to avoid any | | | | to catch as many fish as possible as long as they |
| unnecessary injuries to the fish. It is also | | | | release them all. However, catch and release is |
| important to keep the fight as short as possible | | | | not foolproof. Many fish are injured during the |
| so the fish does not become overtired. At the | | | | process and some even die. At times, even |
| first opportunity, bring the fish to hand but do not | | | | though the fisherman doesn't keep any of the fish |
| take it out of the water. While holding it under the | | | | he catches, the overall fish mortality rate for that |
| water, remove the hook using a pair of fishing | | | | day is higher then if he had caught and kept the |
| pliers. | | | | legal limit. Most fish, even if they are not physically |
| If the fish seems to be too tired to swim away, | | | | injured, will sulk for a while after they have been |
| hold it gently just under the surface of the water | | | | released because of the trauma of being caught |
| with one hand around its caudal wrist, which is | | | | and released. |
| just ahead of the tail. With the other hand, | | | | Catch and release fly fishing can be a wonderful |
| support the fish under its belly. Rock the fish | | | | way to experience the sport. Every release of a |
| gently back and forth making sure that the water | | | | fish contributes to the conservation efforts that |
| enters its mouth and flows over its gills. Using this | | | | ensures the future of having future stocks of fish. |