Why Catch and Release is Important for Muskies

Anglers consider muskies a valuable catch, but too much fishing can strain their populations. Proper catch and release are the keys to the preservation of healthy musky stocks and the continuation of future fishing avenues.

 

Best Practices for Musky Catch and Release

 

1. Use Appropriate Gear

 

• • Use strong, sharp hooks to slash less tissue

 

• • Try to use single hooks instead of treble hooks

 

• • Anwendung eines dicken seils, um eine möglichst kurze schwimmzeit zu gewährleisten

 

2. Minimize Handling Time

 

It is important to remember that muskies are oxygen-sensitive. Quick release is crucial:

 

• • Keep the fish in the water most of the time

 

• • You should allow the fish out of the water for not more than 30 seconds maximum

 

• • You can use a big rubber-handled landing net, too

 

3. Proper Handling Techniques

 

• • Wet your hands before touching the fish to protect its slime coat

 

• • When cradling a musky, don’t move it from vertical gripped orientations. Instead, support it horizontally the best.

 

• • It is either pliers or a hook least for quick hook removal

 

4. Revive Before Release

 

Because of their high oxygen sensitivity:

 

• • Do not hold the musky back tightly, but instead, let it face upstream when you are in the current, if necessary.

 

• • Swing the fish gently back forth to run the water through the gills to the maximum extent

 

• • Release when the fish cannot swim away on its own

 

5. Consider Water Temperature

 

Muskies are particularly susceptible to warm water:

 

• • Don’t go after muskies when water temperatures are in the 80°F (27°C)

 

• • Give them extra care and try to fight them for as little as possible in warmer water

 

The Impact of Proper Catch and Release

 

Guided by the above mentioned criteria, fishermen can considerably lower the mortality rate of muskies released. Through this practice, we are able to sustain healthy populations for the excellence of these species and to discover the true meaning of fishing which is brought by the fishing for the future era generation of people.

 

Well, good fishing is not just catching fish, but also preserving the resources and the sport we love.