Serious Fun @ JFFC Sept 2018 | Page 62

62 SERIOUSFUN@JFFC SEPT 2018

Before you go fishing ask yourself the following questions to better understand your quarry, its environment and the challenges they may pose to successful C&R. Then do a bit of research on how to overcome these challenges, to ensure you are knowledgeable of the best practices for both catching and releasing the target species.

Ask yourself the following questions before going fishing:

•Are there any closed seasons or angling restrictions in the area or for a

particular species (i.e. Shad/Elf closed season or closing of trout rivers in

KZN vs Mpumalanga)?

•What hazards does the environment pose to the safety of me and the fish

that may prevent effective catching or releasing practices (i.e. predators such

as crocodiles and sharks, warm or poorly oxygenated water and abrasive

surfaces such as rocks and reefs)?

•What hazards does the fish itself pose to safe handling and release (i.e. sharp

spines or scutes , teeth, size and sensitivity to handling (Catfish vs trout))?

•What equipment do I need to subdue the fish in the shortest time possible

and handle it with minimal contact and air exposure?

•What are the most acceptable methods to land and handle the fish (research

best practices)?

Once we have answered these questions and done a bit of research, we will fully understand the best practices to use when fighting, landing, handling and reviving and releasing a particular fish species in a specific environment. For example, while landing and releasing a river trout, the odds of predation to both you and the fish are most likely not a consideration and there should be no excuses for not getting into the water and handling the fish properly. However, when catching tigers on the Zambezi, the presence of crocodiles and hippos poses a significant predation risk to both you and the fish and our fighting, landing and handling techniques need to take this risk into consideration. Although this may seem rather laborious, the information needed is often logical or easily obtainable.

Different environments require different approaches to C&R techniques.