Catch and Release in Ireland

In recent years, rivers in Ireland that were not reaching their conservation limit (enough spawners to maintain stocks), were either closed to salmon fishing, or opened on a catch-and-release basis. This was done in an effort to limit angling pressure and exploitation on these stocks, and allow them to rebuild to a sustainable level. Rivers which are above their conservation limit are open to fishing, and salmon may be taken on these rivers.

The Erriff River has a quota, meaning it is over the conservation limit and has a harvestable surplus, so catch and release is not mandatory. However, we realise the importance of conservation, and recommend that anglers parctise catch-and-release where possible. We ask anglers only to take what fish they will consume themselves, and release the rest of their catch.

The practice of catch and release has been increasing in recent years and in 2005, anglers returned 12% of the salmon catch taken by rod and line.

In particular, stocks of spring fish (multi-sea-winter salmon) are at an all-time low across the North Atlantic. Assessments of salmon stocks by scientists using rod catch as an estimate of total stock have indicated that only 24 rivers in Ireland are consistently meeting their Conservation Limit. By voluntarily returning spring fish and grilse to all river anglers are helping to protect future salmon stocks by allowing additional numbers of salmon to spawn.

Catch and Release Guidelines

Angler catch and release studies have shown that with appropriate capture and handling techniques a high proportion of salmon will survive to spawn. Mortality rates of released fish can drop dramatically when anglers follow a few simple but important guidelines.
1. Equipment Proper catch and release really starts before the fish is even landed. A well equipped and prepared angler will have all the necessary tools at hand in order to catch, land and release the fish with minimum stress. Anglers should have the following with them:

• Single, barbless hooks
• Pliers, Scissors, Long-Nosed Forceps
• A large diameter, knotless landing net
• Tape measure

2. Fishing Tackle Salmon caught on small, barbless hooks have a much better chance of survival than those caught on large, baited doubles or trebles. Barbed hooks can have the barb pinched with a pliers to allow the salmon to be released more easily. The fishing tackle should be of sufficient strength taking account of the prevailing conditions and the possible size of the fish that might be caught.

• Use single, barbless hooks
• Do not use worms, baited hooks or lures with double or treble hooks
• Use a line of sufficient strength

3. Playing the Fish Bring the fish in firmly and quickly to the side of the boat or bank, avoiding over exhaustion - the more exhausted a fish is, the lower its chance of survival.

• Avoid exhausting the fish
• In a river, move the salmon out of the main flow into quieter water
  
• Bring it quickly to the bank or boat

4. Landing the fish Research has shown that exposing a salmon to air for even a short period can significantly reduce its chances of survival. It is also essential to protect the scales from damage as these form part of the salmon's defence against disease and parasites.

• Keep the salmon in the water at all times, even when taking photographs
• Use a large diameter landing net with a soft, knotless mesh
• Always use wet hands when handling a fish
• Do not use a tailer or gaff, and do not beach a fish as these methods can result in scale loss, injury and subsequent fungal infection

5. Removing the Hook

• Wet your hands and keep the fish in the water
• Take care not to squeeze the fish or hold it by the gills
• If necessary, support the fish from beneath and remove the hook by hand or with the use of a long-nosed forceps
• If the hook has become deeply embedded cut the line as close to the hook as possible. Fish released in this way do survive

6. Releasing and Reviving the Fish

• Support the fish in the water facing into the current and give it sufficient time to recover
• Hold the fish gently until it is capable of swimming away