♻️ Catch & Release Done Right

Catch and release only works if the fish actually survives. A few simple habits dramatically improve survival — vital for depleted species like kob, white steenbras and our sharks.

Before you fish: crush your barbs or use barbless hooks, use circle hooks for bait fishing, and have long-nose pliers or a de-hooker ready. The less handling, the better.

Land quickly: a long fight exhausts a fish and builds up lactic acid that can kill it hours later. Use tackle heavy enough to land the fish before it's spent.

Keep it wet, keep it calm: minimise air exposure — ideally unhook the fish in the water. Wet your hands before touching it (dry hands strip its protective slime), never hold it by the gills or eyes, and support it horizontally. Don't drag it up dry sand or rocks.

Deep-hooked fish: don't dig for the hook. Cut the trace close to the mouth — a non-stainless hook rusts out.

Reviving: hold the fish upright in the water, facing into the current or gently moving it forward so water flows over its gills, until it kicks off strongly under its own power. A fish that swims off hard is a fish that lives to breed and be caught again.