Catch and Release Fishing

Catch and release fishing is the activity of releasing fish and invertebrates that have been caught using recreational fishing gear.

Many fish are released after capture, including target and non-target species, juveniles less than the minimum legal length and large breeding fish.

Catch and release fishing activities are practiced to ensure compliance with bag limits and/or as a conservation measure.

Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Guidelines

Follow best practice catch and release guidelines when returning fish to the water.

Maximise fish survival

Many fish are released after capture, including target and non-target species, juveniles less than the minimum legal length and large breeding fish. It is responsible practice to ensure minimal stress and physical damage to all released fish to maximise survival.

Learn more about how to minimise stress and physical damage to released fish to maximise survival.

Barotrauma

Minimise damage to fish that are being released by understanding barotrauma.

Learn more about the effects of barotrauma on fish survival.