catch and release question

[basskikker]

i try to practice catch and release, but when a fish is bleeding i don't know if i should keep it or release it. if they are bleeding are they going to die for sure, or is there still a good chance for them to live?
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[windriver]

I think there are too many variables to answer this question accurately. I think it differs from species to species, size of fish, where the fish is bleeding from etc.

If you are in a catch and release zone do it no matter what.

If you want to release the fish and you revive it and it swims off on its own power then at least it has a chance of surviving. If you keep it there is no chance.

If you like to eat fish and it is within the law to keep and you are unsure if it will live then I say keep it and enjoy the meal.

There are many things we can all do to help fish survive like not squeezing them, keeping our fingers out of their gills, wetting our hands, if you baitfish and catch them deep cut the line, keep them out of the water for as short a time as possible etc...

Windriver
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