Catch and Release Best Practices: Protecting Washington's Fish for the Future

By Cary Hofmann | April 10, 2025

Conservation isn't just a buzzword for me - it's a way of life. After spending 15+ years on Washington's waters, I've seen firsthand how healthy fish populations depend on responsible anglers. Whether you're releasing wild steelhead on a river or returning an undersized halibut to the ocean, proper catch and release technique matters.

Why Catch and Release Matters

Washington's fisheries face real pressures from habitat loss, climate change, and fishing pressure. Catch and release helps maintain healthy populations, especially for wild fish:

  • Wild steelhead are listed as threatened in many Washington rivers
  • Wild Chinook populations need protection in several Puget Sound watersheds
  • Rockfish species are slow-growing and vulnerable to overharvest
  • Releasing fish today means more fish for tomorrow

The Golden Rules

1. Minimize fight time A long, drawn-out fight exhausts the fish and reduces survival rates. Use appropriate tackle - don't use ultralight gear on heavy fish just for sport.

2. Keep fish in the water The single most important thing you can do is minimize air exposure. Fish out of water is like you holding your breath while running - it causes serious stress.

3. Wet your hands Always wet your hands before touching a fish. Dry hands strip protective slime that guards against infection and disease.

4. Support the body Never hold a fish vertically by the jaw alone, especially larger species. Support the belly and keep the fish horizontal.

Proper Hook Removal

Barbless hooks are required in many Washington fisheries, and I use them even when they're not required. Here's why:

  • Faster, easier hook removal
  • Less tissue damage to the fish
  • Quicker release means better survival
  • You'll lose very few fish with proper technique

Removal technique:

  1. Keep the fish in or just above the water
  2. Use hemostats or needle-nose pliers
  3. Back the hook out the way it went in
  4. If deeply hooked, cut the leader - the hook will dissolve

Photography Tips for Released Fish

Everyone wants a photo with their catch, and that's fine. Just do it right:

  1. Get your camera ready before lifting the fish
  2. Keep the fish over the water (not over the boat deck)
  3. Lift, snap, release - aim for under 10 seconds of air exposure
  4. Support the fish with two hands
  5. One or two quick photos, then back in the water

What I do on my charters: I always have my camera ready so we can get a quick photo and release efficiently. I'd rather you have a slightly less perfect photo and a healthy fish swimming away.

Revival Techniques

Sometimes a fish needs help recovering before release:

In rivers:

  • Hold the fish facing upstream in gentle current
  • Support the belly and let water flow through the gills
  • Wait for strong tail kicks before letting go
  • Release in calm water, not heavy current

In saltwater:

  • Hold alongside the boat facing into any current
  • Gently move the fish forward to force water through gills
  • Wait for vigorous movement
  • Release when the fish pulls away on its own

Signs the fish is ready:

  • Strong, steady gill movement
  • Upright positioning
  • Powerful tail kicks
  • Pulling away from your hands

Species-Specific Considerations

Salmon:

  • Handle carefully - scales can be delicate
  • Avoid squeezing the belly on spawning fish
  • Release wild fish quickly in warm water conditions

Steelhead:

  • These fish fight hard and need extra recovery time
  • Keep in the water as much as possible
  • Be especially gentle with wild fish (adipose fin intact)

Halibut/Bottom Fish:

  • Deep-caught fish may experience barotrauma (expanded swim bladder)
  • Use a descending device to return deep-water fish safely
  • Release at depth when possible

Rockfish:

  • Extremely vulnerable to barotrauma
  • Descending devices are critical for survival
  • Handle minimally and return to depth quickly

Teaching the Next Generation

One of the most important things we can do is teach young anglers to respect the resource:

  • Explain why we release certain fish
  • Let kids help with gentle releases
  • Talk about conservation in age-appropriate terms
  • Model good behavior on every trip

My Commitment as a Guide

On every charter, I practice and teach:

  • Proper fish handling at all times
  • Quick, efficient catch and release
  • Respect for regulations and wild fish
  • Appreciation for the ecosystem we fish in

Fishing and conservation go hand in hand. The best anglers are also the best stewards. Let's keep Washington's fisheries healthy for generations to come.