Author
Marko Devčić
Global Fisherman Co-Founder
As a young boy, I would often catch fish and bring them home. It was a simple form of fishing, where the connection with nature ended once the fish was caught. That same fish, which was once a part of the whole ecosystem, would meet its end. As I grew emotionally and mentally, nature itself taught me how to deepen my bond with the river (or sea, lake) and all the emotions involved led me to adopt catch and release.
In the regions I hail from, there’s a well-known saying: “It’s yours, only what you give.” This perfectly encapsulated my experience. There’s no greater feeling than giving a second chance at life to another living animal. When I began releasing fish, I realized that my connection with nature was growing stronger, and I felt a profound sense of fulfillment.
I came to understand that a true nature lover cherishes life within it and strives for a certain balance or harmony. The more you give to nature, the more it gives back to you. Releasing a fish, watching it swim away, is an unparalleled joy in fishing, akin to doing something kind for another living being. And nature always reciprocates. When you release more fish, you find more are caught.
We all fish to feel that tug on the rod, which is the most exhilarating moment in fishing. It then dawns on you that if you catch (and potentially kill) that fish, you’re diminishing the likelihood of experiencing it again, even if only by a fraction. You don’t want that. You want the fish to spawn and bolster the population of the waters where you fish. This increases the odds of reliving that feeling. You yearn for as many fish on the rod as possible, to connect with nature as deeply as possible. This, to me, is the essence of sport fishing and a genuine communion with nature. It means being a part of a thriving ecosystem, contributing positively to the birds that feed on fish, to the plants that rely on them. It means refraining from causing harm or destruction. You don’t want to be a destroyer.
I’m not suggesting that every fish must be released. If someone enjoys eating fish from time to time, I have no objection. That said, it should be done in moderation so as not to jeopardize the existence of that ecosystem. When you think about it, it’s not beneficial for anyone, not for nature nor for fishermen who enjoy consuming fish, as they’ll struggle to catch them in the future. More importantly, nature will face challenges in recovering if it’s constantly being depleted or taken from.
Here is a quick guide to help promote catch and release practices:
Use Appropriate Gear
Select the right equipment for catch and release, such as barbless hooks and non-stainless-steel gear that minimize harm to fish.
Handle with Care
Minimize stress on the fish by keeping it in the water as much as possible, using wet hands to handle it, and avoiding squeezing or mishandling.
Minimize Air Exposure
Limiting the time a fish spends out of the water helps prevent damage to their gills and scales.
Revive Before Release
If a fish seems tired or sluggish after the fight, hold it gently in the water until it shows signs of vigor before releasing.
Choose the Right Time and Place
Avoid fishing in areas where fish are spawning or in water bodies experiencing environmental stress. Follow local regulations and guidelines.
Embracing catch and release as a fishing practice allows us to connect with nature in a way that is both thrilling and responsible. By releasing fish back into their habitats, we become custodians of the aquatic ecosystems we all love. Let’s continue to enjoy the beauty of fishing while ensuring future generations have the same privilege. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the conservation of our natural world.
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