How Using Proper Equipment Can Significantly Reduce Fish Mortality

Fishing is a popular activity enjoyed by millions worldwide, whether for sport, livelihood, or sustenance. Yet, one of the biggest challenges facing anglers and fisheries managers is reducing fish mortality after catch. Many fish die unnecessarily due to improper handling and unsuitable equipment. Using the right gear can make a significant difference in keeping fish alive and healthy, supporting sustainable fishing practices and preserving aquatic ecosystems.

Fishing net with soft mesh to reduce fish injury

Why Fish Mortality Matters

Fish mortality after capture affects both wild populations and aquaculture operations. When fish die after being caught and released, it reduces the number of breeding adults, impacting future fish stocks. This is especially critical for species under pressure from overfishing or habitat loss. In commercial fishing, high mortality rates can lead to economic losses and waste of valuable resources.

Reducing fish mortality helps maintain healthy fish populations, supports biodiversity, and promotes responsible fishing. It also aligns with regulations and conservation goals in many regions.

Choosing the Right Fishing Gear

The type of equipment used plays a crucial role in fish survival. Here are some key gear considerations:

• Hooks: Circle hooks are preferred over J-hooks because they tend to hook fish in the mouth rather than deeper in the throat or gut. This reduces injury and increases survival chances.

• Nets: Soft, knotless nets with rubberized mesh prevent scale loss and skin damage. Avoid rough or abrasive nets that can harm fish.

• Lines: Using lighter, less abrasive fishing lines reduces stress and injury during the fight.

• Barbless Hooks: These hooks cause less damage and make it easier to release fish quickly.

  
  

For example, a study on catch-and-release fishing found that fish caught with circle hooks had a 20% higher survival rate than those caught with traditional hooks.

Handling Techniques That Protect Fish

Proper equipment alone is not enough. How anglers handle fish after capture also affects mortality. Combining the right gear with careful handling improves outcomes:

• Minimize Air Exposure: Keep fish in water as much as possible. Prolonged air exposure damages gills and reduces survival.

• Wet Hands or Gloves: Handling fish with wet hands or gloves protects their slime coat, which defends against infections.

• Support the Fish: Hold fish horizontally and support their body weight to avoid internal injuries.

• Quick Release: Remove hooks gently and release fish promptly to reduce stress.

  
  

Using tools like de-hookers or pliers designed for quick hook removal can speed up the process and reduce harm.

Angler using a rubberized net to safely land fish

Equipment Innovations That Help

Recent advances in fishing gear have focused on reducing fish mortality:

• Fish-Friendly Nets: New materials and designs reduce abrasion and scale loss.

• Hook Design: Innovations like chemically sharpened circle hooks improve hooking efficiency and reduce injury.

• Electronic Fish Grippers: These devices hold fish securely without squeezing, allowing safe handling.

• Water-Filled Landing Bags: These bags keep fish submerged during handling, reducing stress.

  
  

Adopting these tools can improve fish survival rates significantly, especially in catch-and-release fisheries.

Practical Tips for Anglers

To reduce fish mortality, anglers can take these practical steps:

• Choose circle hooks and barbless hooks.

• Use soft, knotless nets with rubberized mesh.

• Handle fish with wet hands or gloves.

• Keep fish in water during hook removal.

• Use tools like de-hookers and pliers.

• Avoid fishing in extreme temperatures that stress fish.

• Release fish gently and quickly.

  
  

These small changes in equipment and technique add up to big improvements in fish survival.

Water-filled landing bag holding fish safely during catch and release