07-10-2004, 12:25 AM
BACKGROUNDER
Enhancing Fish Survival
Barbless Hooks
All anglers must use barbless hooks only in Alberta provincial waters, under a regulation introduced on April 1, 2004. Barbless hooks are easier to remove from fish and allow them to be released without being handled too much or even being removed from the water. To convert a barbed hook to barbless, simply press the barbs down against the shaft of the hook so the barbs are not functional.
Catch-and-release angling is common in Alberta and careful fish handling is important to sustain fish populations.
Catch-and-Release Fishing
* Minimize the time you play a fish once it is on the hook. Playing a fish too long may cause it to die later.
* Fish are best kept in the water when releasing them. Wet your hands before touching fish, or wear gloves soaked in water to help prevent damage to the mucous coating that protects fish.
* Fish should be gently held under the belly and by the front of the tail. Don't put your hands near the eyes or gills.
* When releasing a fish, hold the fish in water so it can rejuvenate itself. If it doesn't swim away on its own, hold the fish gently in front of the tail and slowly move it back and forth to push fresh water over its gills.
* Release a fish by letting it swim from your hands. Don't throw fish back into the water.
* Keep the length of time fish are out of the water to a minimum. If you intend to measure or photograph fish, be ready in advance.
* Take great care in removing hooks. Don't tear hooks from fish. If a hook is deeply embedded in a fish's throat, leave the hook in place, snip the line and release the fish.
* Use a landing net to aid quick release. A rubber net will help hold the fish for hook removal so you can return it to the water faster.
* Don't "cull" fish - holding live fish in a livewell or on a stringer until you find a bigger one. This reduces the chances for survival of released fish, especially in warmer water - oxygen and temperature can change quickly in livewells.
* Don't "fizz" fish - poking a hole in a fish's swim bladder that is swollen because the fish has been brought to the surface from a significant depth. This increases mortality by causing additional injury and stress to the fish.
-30-
For further information:
Ken Bodden
Fisheries Specialist
Fish and Wildlife Division
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Edmonton, (780) 427-7791
John Lear
Public Affairs Officer
Communications
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Edmonton, (780) 427-8636
[signature]
Enhancing Fish Survival
Barbless Hooks
All anglers must use barbless hooks only in Alberta provincial waters, under a regulation introduced on April 1, 2004. Barbless hooks are easier to remove from fish and allow them to be released without being handled too much or even being removed from the water. To convert a barbed hook to barbless, simply press the barbs down against the shaft of the hook so the barbs are not functional.
Catch-and-release angling is common in Alberta and careful fish handling is important to sustain fish populations.
Catch-and-Release Fishing
* Minimize the time you play a fish once it is on the hook. Playing a fish too long may cause it to die later.
* Fish are best kept in the water when releasing them. Wet your hands before touching fish, or wear gloves soaked in water to help prevent damage to the mucous coating that protects fish.
* Fish should be gently held under the belly and by the front of the tail. Don't put your hands near the eyes or gills.
* When releasing a fish, hold the fish in water so it can rejuvenate itself. If it doesn't swim away on its own, hold the fish gently in front of the tail and slowly move it back and forth to push fresh water over its gills.
* Release a fish by letting it swim from your hands. Don't throw fish back into the water.
* Keep the length of time fish are out of the water to a minimum. If you intend to measure or photograph fish, be ready in advance.
* Take great care in removing hooks. Don't tear hooks from fish. If a hook is deeply embedded in a fish's throat, leave the hook in place, snip the line and release the fish.
* Use a landing net to aid quick release. A rubber net will help hold the fish for hook removal so you can return it to the water faster.
* Don't "cull" fish - holding live fish in a livewell or on a stringer until you find a bigger one. This reduces the chances for survival of released fish, especially in warmer water - oxygen and temperature can change quickly in livewells.
* Don't "fizz" fish - poking a hole in a fish's swim bladder that is swollen because the fish has been brought to the surface from a significant depth. This increases mortality by causing additional injury and stress to the fish.
-30-
For further information:
Ken Bodden
Fisheries Specialist
Fish and Wildlife Division
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Edmonton, (780) 427-7791
John Lear
Public Affairs Officer
Communications
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development
Edmonton, (780) 427-8636
[signature]