Deep Sea Fishing: Tips On Conserving Your Catch

So what is it exactly that you do with the fish you
catch? For some, they abide the philosophy of keeping
enough for their meal and releasing the rest. The best
fish would be the freshest ones. Even though you’re
not into cooking them yourselves, a lot of local
restaurants can offer you preparations for a fresh
catch meal. Sitting down on a meal of fish that you
just caught would be the perfect ending for one great
fishing day. Most consider it to be one of the most
satisfying things to do that anyone can accomplish!

Why Conserve?

Fish is a renewable resource. Thus, proper management
and techniques are needed to ensure their survival and
the abundance of the resource for the future
generations. In fact, overfished stocks would require
years of regulatory actions and monitoring to restore
its fishery level into one that is self-sufficient and
self-sustaining.

Additionally, for every year that passes, there seems
to be more restrictions in regards to the recreational
bags. Even size limits are imposed. All of these due
to the occurrence of overfishing which is in
consequence of improved technology.

The Solution

Practicing the habit of catch and release is actually
one of the ways in which recreational anglers like you
could help ensure the health and prosperity of the
future fisheries. In this way, you can also guarantee
everybody’s opportunity to have a fun day of deep sea
fishing that is concluded with a scrumptious and
satisfying meal.

Here are some of the ways in which you can help ensure
survival of the fish that you release and get some
satisfaction by returning your catch to its
environment.

Get Your Tackle Right

First off you should make sure that your tackle
matches the fish you’re targeting. Although it may not
seem obvious, doing this can ensure its safety once
you release it back into the waters. If your tackle is
too light, it would be exhausted by the moment you
land it. Thus due to its exhaustion, it could be a
very easy target for predators when release it back to
the waters; since it couldn’t swim that fast anymore.

Customize Your Hook

Customizing your hook is yet another way to conserve
your catch. By simply using a pair of pliers, you can
mash down your hook’s barb. Doing this would enable
you for an easier release of the catch and better
safety on its side. Another great addition to the
terminal tackle you’ll be doing would be circle hooks.
When the catch swallows the hook, all you have to do
is cut the line closely as you can to your hook, then
release your catch as quickly as you can.

Don’t Suffocate It

As much as possible, while releasing your catch leave
it in the water. If there is no choice but to handle
it out of the water, then be sure that you wet your
hands. You should do this to reduce the removal of its
protective slime layer that covers it. The removal of
this layer can make your catch susceptible to disease
once it goes back to the waters.

Hold It Right

Handling the fish is important too. You should make
sure that you don't grab it in its gills or eyes,
since these are very sensitive areas that fish need
for survival.