For most of us, catch-and-release is a point of pride. It’s how we enjoy the thrill of the chase while ensuring there are fish left for the next generation. But a groundbreaking new study led by Dr. Scott Hinch (UBC) and the Pacific Salmon Foundation is challenging some of our oldest habits.
The report, funded by the BC Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund (BCSRIF-058), tracked over 1,600 salmon using acoustic tags to see what happens after they swim away. The results were a wake-up call: in some conditions, mortality for released Chinook can be as high as 40%.
The good news? The study also gave us a roadmap to fix it. Here is how you can help boost those survival rates on your next trip.
1. The "Net" Effect: Why Material Matters
One of the most surprising findings in the Hinch report was just how "unfriendly" traditional landing nets can be. Even nets marketed as "fish-friendly" can cause significant damage to a salmon's delicate fins and scales.
The study found a direct link between net use and fin splitting and scale loss. When a salmon loses its scales, it loses its first line of defense against pathogens and sea lice.
The Solution: Go Rubber. If you must use a net, the science is clear: 100% rubber baskets are the gold standard.
- Non-Abrasive: Rubber doesn't "sand" the slime layer off the fish like nylon or knotted mesh.
- Tangle-Free: It prevents fins from getting caught and split in the mesh.
- In-Water Tool: Use the net as a "mobile pen." Keep the fish submerged in the rubber basket while you remove the hook, rather than hauling it onto the deck.
2. Mind the Temperature
Salmon are cold-water specialists. The report highlights that once surface water temperatures hit 18°C (64°F), the risk of mortality spikes. High temperatures act as a "stress multiplier." A fish that might survive a long fight in June might not survive that same fight in August. If the water is running hot, consider moving to deeper water or even calling it a day once you’ve kept your limit.
3. Keep ‘Em Wet
We’ve all seen the "hero shot" of a fish held high in the air. The Hinch report suggests we rethink this. Air exposure—even for 30 seconds—drastically increases the time it takes for a salmon's heart rate and oxygen levels to return to normal.
- The 10-Second Rule: If you must lift the fish for a photo, keep it under 10 seconds.
- Better Yet: Take the photo while the fish is still in the water (inside that rubber net basket!).
4. Downsize Your Hooks
The research found that smaller hooks (gap width of 15mm or less) led to significantly fewer eye and throat injuries. Eye injuries, in particular, were a major predictor of long-term mortality. Switching to smaller, barbless singles doesn't just make releasing easier—it saves lives.
5. Cut the Fight Short
A long, "epic" battle might make for a good story, but it’s exhausting for the fish. The buildup of lactic acid during a long fight can lead to cardiac arrest post-release. Use gear heavy enough to bring the fish in quickly.
The Bottom Line
As anglers, we are the frontline stewards of our salmon stocks. The BCSRIF-058 report isn't about telling us not to fish; it’s about giving us the tools to do it better. By investing in a high-quality rubber net and keeping the fish submerged, we can ensure that released actually means survived.
Ready to upgrade your gear for the season? Check out our landing nets here. Designed with the exact 100% rubber baskets recommended by the latest salmon science.
To read the full report check out Pacific Salmon Foundations blog post https://psf.ca/blog/catch-and-release/
0 comments