Thanks TB for a great post on the Murray Monsters forums :

If you need, print out the following and hand it to someone you think may need it next time you are out for a fish.

CATCH & RELEASE info

The Murray Cod has recently been listed as a threatened species. It is important to know how to maximize a fish’s chance of survival after being hooked. Both small and large Murray Cod can be successfully released. The following is a few tips, pointers and ideas on how to increase its chance of survival upon capture.

• Do not over play a fish. Where possible retrieve the fish as quick as possible.
• Use an appropriate line class for the species you are targeting
• If you’re bait fishing and the fish has swallowed the hook deeply, don’t try to remove it. Cut the line, the hook will dissolve or be passed in time.
• Where possible crush the barbs on all hooks. This will aid for quicker hook removal and also comes in handy if you happen to hook yourself.
• Where possible, don’t remove the fish from the water. If possible remove the hook / lure while the fish is still in the water.
• If you intend to remove your fish from the water don’t use dry hands or a course landing net as both these methods will remove the protective slime coating on the fish’s body. Where possible use wet hands or a wet pair of cotton gloves. If you use a net, use a knotless fine meshed type like an ENVIRONET.
• If you don’t have a suitable landing net and need to remove the fish from the water, don’t directly lift the fish by its tail, gills, mouth or using tools such as gaffs, pliers ect.
• Do not place your fish on a hot dry surface.
• If you need to transport a fish, it is a must that you have either a live fish holding tank or an aerated holding vessel (minimum 60ltrs). At very least you should have a wet towel or wet hessian bag. Continually pour fresh water over the fish when it is being transported.
• If you intend to take a photo, have everything ready to go before you remove the fish from the water.
• It’s far more efficient to measure you fish than weigh it. Awkward fish measuring devices can greatly decrease the fish’s chance of survival. An approximate and accurate weight / length comparison chart can be obtained from NSW Fisheries or Fisheries Victoria.
• When you’re ready to release your fish, don’t just throw it back in the water. Gently place the fish in the water in an upright position moving it forward to create water flow over the gills. Continue to do this until the fish shows a strong sign of recovery and swims off under its own power.

These are just a few ideas to help you practice effective Catch & Release fishing. These few techniques will greatly enhance a fish’s chances of a full recovery and overall survival.

Cheers TB