Fishing is a sport, but it has become less about survival and more about fun in recent decades. There is an issue of fish becoming depleted and many anglers are now employing the practice of catch and release fishing.

Catch and release fishing is a great theory, but many people are doing it incorrectly and as a result many fish are still dying. But a few simple steps can make your best intentions a reality.

The best place to start is with the hooks. A fish that has a hole through its mouth is more likely to survive than a fish with a hole in its lung or gill. If you happen to hook a fish in the gut, the best thing to do is to cut off the hook as much as you can then release the fish. Many times the hook will dissolve and the fish will spit it out, but they can also live with a rusted hook hanging from them.

Whatever you do, do not tug on your line to pull a hook out or you will severely hurt the fish. If you are able to easily remove the hook, use a pair of needle nose pliers. The process of pulling the hook out is easier if you remove the barbs from the hooks, but try not to wiggle while you pull the hook out.

Fish are obviously unable to survive outside of the water. Therefore, the longer that it takes you to release them, the more it becomes as if you are suffocating them.

The way that a fish is gripped when out of the water will make a big difference. For instance, avoid touching a fish’s body with your bare hands. The fish have a slimy protective coat that will be stripped if you touch them with your hands. If you have to touch a fish, make sure that your hands are wet. You may want to wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts or permeating fish smells.

Part of the fun in fishing is to “play out” the fish. The struggle can be what some anglers wait all day to do. Fish are like humans; when they “work out,” they build up lactic acid. When you are fighting a fish, they are fighting too. Just like when someone works his or her body out and it feels sore, a fish experiences the same thing. The build up of lactic acid can be toxic to a fish, even days later. Therefore, if you are going to practice catch and release, try to keep the struggle to a minimum.

Getting a quality rod and reel does wonders to making your job easier while also protecting the fish. Getting a power-assist reel is a great idea. The Daiwa Dendoh Tanacom Bull TB1000 Power-Assist Reel is described as “simply awesome” by fishers who definitely say they would recommend this reel. Not to mention the Daiwa TB1000’s amazing power and speed will certainly make all your boatmates jealous!