5 SIMPLE WAYS YOU CAN MAXIMIZE THE CHANCE OF SURVIVAL
As we head into prime time Striper fishing at Lake Wallenpaupack, we wanted to share some ways our local anglers can help reduce the chance of Striper mortality by covering some best practices for proper catch and release. While the concept of “catch and release” seems simple, it is critical that it be practiced perfectly. The more a fish is handled and out of the water, the higher the odds that it won’t fully recover to be caught another day.
TIP #1: MINIMIZE THE TIME OUT OF THE WATER
The time a fish is out of the water is the most important criteria and should be kept at a minimum. Studies show that fish exposed to air for 60+ seconds have a 28% survival rate; 30 seconds have a 63% survival rate; and 88% for fish that were never removed from the water at all. It’s important to note that while these survival rate studies were performed on trout (and trout obviously are not Striped Bass), the numbers and trends are likely similar. It helps reinforce the importance of getting your catch back in the water quickly.
TIP #2: REVIVE THE FISH PROPERLY
Think about it — how often have you seen another angler just toss their catch back into the water from the bank or boat deck? This is incredibly bad practice for all fish, but especially for our prized Striper population on our Lake. Never toss or throw your Striper back into the water. You should properly resuscitate the fish by following these steps:
- Lower the fish into the water gently.
- Holding the fish by it’s mouth or tail, slowly help the fish get fresh water over it’s gills and through it’s mouth.
- Support the fish and do not release it until the fish shows signs that it is able to swim free of your grasp.
TIP #3: USE BARBLESS HOOKS OR CIRCLE HOOKS FOR EASY RELEASE
This tip is intended to help support the idea of getting the fish back in the water as quickly as possible. Struggling to release the hook only to realize you have to go and find pliers for additional leverage waste precious seconds for the fish. Any decent fisherman should have a pair of pliers on them (or within easy reach) to avoid this scenario altogether.
Using live bait? You should always be using circle hooks when fishing with bait. Studies by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission show that the mortality rate on released Stripers is 9% (even with these tips followed). The use of circle hooks when bait fishing can reduce this by as much as 80%.
TIP #4: BE READY WITH THE CAMERA
None of us want to put in all the time and effort it takes to learn the Lake only to catch a trophy Striper and not have the photo proof to brag to our friends! Have your camera within reach and ready to aim/shoot BEFORE you hear your drag start screamin’. Limit your photo session to one or two quick shots and get it back in the water.
Wally BITES Exclusive Tip
DoN’T FORGET TO HOLD YOUR ARMS OUT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO MAKE YOUR 15 POUNDER LOOK LIKE A STATE RECORD!!
Wally BITES Facebook Group
TIP #5: USE THE RIGHT TACKLE AND LIMIT THE FIGHT
Using light tackle that is poorly matched for the catch can result in a “longer than necessary” fight that usually ends up in an extremely tired fish that has very limited chance of survival. Nowadays, even light action rods are amazingly strong. Couple these with a thin diameter line with high lb-test (like PowerPro braid) and you can put as much pressure on the fish as you want.
Enjoy the fight but don’t “play” with a Striper that you plan on releasing.
– Every Striper angler, probably.
In summary, it is important that every fisherman on our Lake that plans to practice catch-n-release tactics do everything they can to ensure survival for our prized fish (not just Stripers, all fish). Anything we can do to expedite hook removal, minimize handling and time out of the water, and still take amazing pictures — helps to increase the odds of survival.
Good luck to everyone as we enter into the warmer water temperatures. Remember to check our daily temperature reports before you head out! Tight lines and happy fishing! Book with one of our partnered fishing guides and don’t forget to share your catches in our Catch and Release photo album to join our trophy wall.