What does catch and release mean? It means you catch a fish, handle it carefully and put it back so it can carry on living. It only works if the fish is handled well and released quickly.
This guide covers general good practice for sea fishing and shark fishing trips. Your skipper will know the local rules and current limits, so always follow their advice.
Why handling matters
A fish out of the water cannot breathe, and a fish held badly can be badly hurt. Good habits give it the best chance.
- Keep the fish in the water as long as you can
- Wet your hands before touching it, because dry hands strip the protective slime
- Support its body and do not squeeze or hold it by the gills or eyes
- Use barbless or crimped hooks and remove them gently, or cut the line if a hook is deep
- Take photos fast, or skip the photo
- Release it head first into the water and make sure it swims away
Sharks and rays
Sharks need extra care. Do not lift a shark out of the water by the tail or gills, and do not drag it over the boat’s edge. Skippers who run shark trips often use specific gear and methods. Some species of shark and ray are protected, and the law says they must be released unharmed. The Shark Trust publishes handling advice for anglers.
Rules and limits
Size limits, bag limits and protected species change from time to time. Rules differ for different species and parts of the coast. Your skipper will tell you what applies, and you can check the latest on the government’s fishing pages.
Keeping fish to eat
If you plan to keep fish, only take what you will eat, and kill it quickly and humanely. The Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide is a useful guide to choosing fish that are caught more sustainably.
Lost tackle
Lost line and hooks can harm birds, seals and other wildlife. Use the right line for the job, take care on rocky seabeds and bring back broken tackle.
Questions for a charter skipper
- What is your policy on catch and release?
- Which species do you release and which can I keep?
- What gear do you use for sharks, and how do you handle them?
- What do you do with unwanted catch and used line?
Our questions to ask before booking has more to help you choose. It works for any charter, not just fishing trips.
In short:
- Wet hands, quick release, no squeezing
- Some species must be released by law, so ask the skipper
- Take lost line and tackle home with you