Catch and Release Angling: What It Is and Why It Matters
If you’re new to fishing, one of the first things you might wonder is:
“What do I actually do with the fish once I’ve caught it?”
The answer, more often than not, is simple…
you return it safely back to the water.
This is called catch and release—and it’s a big part of modern angling.
So, What is Catch and Release?
Catch and release is exactly what it sounds like.
You catch a fish, carefully unhook it, and return it to the water so it can swim away.
For many anglers (myself included), the reward isn’t about keeping the fish—it’s about the experience:
- Learning new skills
- Enjoying the outdoors
- That moment when everything comes together and the float dips or the rod pulls round
The fish is part of that moment… not the end result.
Why It’s So Important
It Protects Fish Stocks
Fish don’t grow overnight. Some of the species we target—like carp—can take years to reach the sizes anglers dream about catching.
By returning fish, you’re helping:
- Maintain healthy populations
- Keep fisheries well stocked
- Ensure there are fish there for the next person—and the next generation
It Supports the Future of Angling
Many fisheries now operate on a catch and release basis, especially for larger or more valuable fish.
It’s one of the reasons angling remains sustainable and accessible in the UK.
Quite simply… if everyone kept what they caught, many venues wouldn’t fish nearly as well as they do.
It’s About Respect
Fishing isn’t just about catching—it’s about understanding and respecting the environment you’re part of.
Handled correctly, fish can be returned with minimal stress and go on to:
- Feed normally
- Grow bigger
- Be caught again another day
That’s good for the fish, and good for the sport.
How to Do It Properly
Catch and release only works if it’s done right. The good news is, it’s easy once you know how.
Here are the basics I teach on my sessions:
- Use the right tackle
Strong, balanced gear means you land fish quicker and reduce stress - Wet your hands first
This protects the fish’s natural slime coat - Use barbless hooks where possible
They come out quickly and cleanly - Keep the fish low and over a mat or net
Just in case it wriggles - Be quick with photos
Have everything ready before lifting the fish - Let the fish recover properly
Hold it in the water until it’s ready to swim off strongly
These small things make a big difference.
A Quick Word on Keeping Fish
There are situations where keeping fish is allowed and managed properly—but for most beginner anglers and most coarse fisheries in the UK, returning fish is the standard approach.
If you’re ever unsure, I’ll always guide you on what’s right for the venue.
Final Thoughts
Catch and release isn’t just a rule—it’s part of what makes angling what it is today.
It keeps fishing sustainable, protects the fish we value, and ensures that the sport is there to be enjoyed for years to come.
And once you’ve done it a few times, watching a fish swim away strongly is just as satisfying as catching it in the first place.
Ready to Learn the Right Way?
If you’d like to learn how to handle, unhook, and safely return fish with confidence, I cover all of this in my beginner-friendly sessions.
👉 Book your lesson here:
teachmetofish.co.uk/book
Or if you’re not quite ready yet:
👉 Join the newsletter for tips and updates:
teachmetofish.co.uk/sign
