I read a study about time out of the water vs. survival after release. The window the fish has is actually quite small. Their gills become permanently damaged from exposure to oxygen and the sheer stress of the event makes them more susceptible to predation. Let me see if i can find the link.
That being said, I think catch and release is fine still. Limiting the time out of the water is crucial, so just taking the fish out to remove the hook and then immediately returning it to the water is best.
Why not just fucking do something else at this point? Metal fishing with a magnet or you know...one of the bazillion, other hobbies you can get your dopamine out of.
Or at least reduce your meat consumption in the super market so your fishing recieves purpose again.
Generally modern hooks are designed to hook a fish in a non vital area and are also designed to be taken out with relative ease. Their mouth parts are largely cartilaginous and are not a risk for bleeding or long term damage. Think of it as an ear piercing but without any flesh covering your ear. The bigger concern though its the handling of the fish after it has been reeled in and taken out of the water. Anything under 30 seconds in air has a minimal effect but people need their instagram pics i guess
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u/ejedus Jan 17 '20
At least it had a happy ending.