by Keith Hamburger

Created on: December 02, 2008   Last Updated: January 13, 2009

Like all outdoorsmen fishermen care as much about the environment and the future of our sport as we do about the excitement of the day's catch. There are a number of things we each can do to ensure that the impact we make is minimized.

Unlike many anglers, I'm not a pure catch-and-release fisherman. I enjoy eating fish almost as much as I enjoy catching them. However, it is important to know how to properly catch fish and one must keep in mind what is proper to keep, when and where.

The key to proper conservation is to follow the local regulations. Fishery managers keep a close eye on the species and waters for which they're responsible. Seasons, size limits and bag limits help to ensure that a stable, sustainable fishery is maintained.

In some places you are required to release certain species at specific times of year, particularly during the times that they are spawning. This ensures that there are enough young to maintain the population year after year. Bag and possession limits are set for the same reason. If everyone were able to keep every fish they could catch there would soon not be any fish for anyone to catch.

Size limits and slot limits are put into place for similar reasons. Differing size limits are set for a number of reasons. Sometimes a fishery has too many small fish such that few, if any, grow to a significant size. In such a case there may be a maximum size limit set. If the managers wish to ensure that there is an adequate breeding population they may set a minimum size. In some cases, where a trophy population is to be maintained, there may be a slot limit set where only fish between certain sizes can be kept. This allows for a manageable population of breeding fish and gives everyone the opportunity to catch trophy fish, which are to be returned for the next angler to enjoy.

Beyond the regulations you should also be aware of the particular conditions of the fish you are targeting. Some particularly sought after species, such as the large billfish, reproduce quite slowly. In such instances it is best to release all that you catch. In other cases you may wish to release egg laden females during spawning season. When deciding how many fish to keep, knowledge and awareness of the local fishery and the species you are targeting should be your guide.

In order to release your catch successfully you must handle the fish properly both during and after the catch. Ensure you have tackle of adequate strength for the fish you are targeting such that you

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