Fishing has been a favorite pastime of people for centuries. Catch and release fishing is a popular practice among fishermen. However, many people question its humanness. The concern is whether it is ethical to catch a fish only to release it back into the water, with the potential of causing it harm or stress.
There are several arguments for and against catch and release fishing. Those who support it believe that it allows them to enjoy the sport of fishing, while also allowing the preservation of fish stocks by not catching more than they need. Additionally, catch and release fishing can offer researchers the ability to study fish and their habitats without killing them.
However, opponents of catch and release fishing argue that even when performed carefully, it causes stress and harm to fish. The stress from being caught, handled, and released can lead to damage to the fish’s gills, fins, and other body parts. At the same time, the hooks used to catch fish can cause further damage as they scrape along a fish’s mouth or gut, leading to internal harm and infections.
Opponents also argue that fishermen are not always compassionate enough while handling fish. The practice of ripping the hooks out without using proper tools or handling the fish severely can cause more harm to the fish. They also oppose catch and release fishing in areas with already threatened fish species, as this could add even more strain on their populations.
To care for the fish, fishermen should consider using barbless hooks as they seem to cause less damage to the fish. With research, fishermen can determine how to handle a caught fish with the utmost care by minimizing the duration of tubing the fish and the procedures involved. It is suggested that the tube should be moistened to prevent rubbing the fish’s skin, decreasing the duration of removing hooks, and releasing the fish cautiously to decrease the risk of harm. The fish should not be held out of the water for too long, since fish may suffer from oxygen deprivation.
It’s up to fishermen to take on the responsibility to treat fish humanely. They should make every effort to reduce harm and stress by handling the fish with the utmost care. It is the responsibility of fishermen to do everything possible to help fish to recover from the stress and injuries from being caught. If they cannot treat fish with the utmost care, they should consider finding an alternative activity.
Ultimately, it is up to anglers to be compassionate in their pursuit of fish sport. Catch and release fishing can be humane if done with the utmost consideration and compassion. Fishermen should remember the importance of treating fish humanely and not release them more than they need, reducing the impact on these remarkable creatures.