What is Catch and Release?

Catch and release is essentially the opposite of harvesting a fish. In catch and release you let the fish go after catching it. Some people are surprised to learn there exists such recreational fishing where the fish is not caught and used for food or a resource. Depending on the fish species or water body, catch and release can be the most popular form of fishing or even the only legal option.

Catch and release is a subset of sport or game fishing. In catch and release, the goal is to release the fish while some in sport fishing will kill and keep the fish for trophy purposes as proof of catch. Catch and release anglers will use a photo or video as proof of catch or will sometimes hold a fish temporarily in a live well to bring to an authority.

Catch and release is a practice and not a philosophy. However, many C&R enthusiasts will also support good fish handling and conservation efforts. It's important to note, however, that catch-and-release fishing is not a harmless activity for the fish. Depending on the fishery, fish that are caught and released may face significant post-release mortality.

Some antagonistic people in the fishing community are all-in for killing all fish caught or releasing all fish caught. Most anglers, however, do both, fishing for food and fishing to catch and release.

Fishing Fundamentals