How does catch and release affect the fish?

[Scrubby]

first off, I am not trying to stir the pot, rattle any cages, or push any buttons. Just by reading here and Facebook its not hard to see there has been a lot of catch and release togging going on Including myself, so I am not Judging any one just to be clear. I was just wondering what happens to these fish once released? Im sure there must be some sort of Mortality rate.. Are we screwing ourselves catching these fish early, before the season starts? What kind of impact are we having on these fish, if any?

[Canyonfish]

See attached....... if I read this right the 25% that fisheries mgmt quotes is way to high..... this study has it at less than 2%.

Sorry - can't upload PDF

[Gerry Zagorski]

This time of year we are fishing very shallow too so the fish don't suffer from the Bends. Best thing to do when releasing fish is to handle them as little as possible and release them as quickly as possible.

Best way to do that is with this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwx6D1LAXoE

Everyone should have one of these on their boat and learn how to use them. Even if you are not releasing fish, they are very effective and simple tool to get the hook out. In Florida you are required to have one on your boat by law.

Lastly, Blackfish are probably one of the more hearty fish in our waters and I believe way less prone to catch and release mortality then others.

[Man Workin]

You couldn't be more right Gerry,a dehooker is something that is cheap and easy to use.

[JBird]

Tog caught in shallow water should survive nearly 100% of the time if they aren't gut hooked. Those fish are tough as nails, I'd even hazard to guess they are the toughest game fish in our waters. When I keep tog I bleed them out so they will be dead for sure later when I cut them. I've had guys bring me fish that have been in a bucket of water for several hours and they flop around like you just caught them. Any other fish would be deader than sh*t by then.

Still, handle them gently and get them back right away.

.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Tog caught in shallow water should survive nearly 100% of the time if they aren't gut hooked. Those fish are tough as nails, I'd even hazard to guess they are the toughest game fish in our waters. When I keep tog I bleed them out so they will be dead for sure later when I cut them. I've had guys bring me fish that have been in a bucket of water for several hours and they flop around like you just caught them. Any other fish would be deader than sh*t by then.

Still, handle them gently and get them back right away.

.

Zactly :)