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It seems catch and release is all the rage in the bass community now days. I have two questions, first, what is the main theory behind catch and release and two, is it scientifically proven to work?
I am a pan fishermen, so I typically keep and eat my catch. I do release pregnant female redear.
The reason I throw bass back is so they can get bigger and someone else can catch them later. Concerning whether or not it works is pretty simple. If the fish swims away, it worked. If the fish dies, it doesn't work.
I'm not strictly catch and release with bass. I have definitely eaten my fair share. That being said, I usually only eat smaller ones and from lakes where I believe has a very large population of small fish. Elmer Davis, for example, has a slot limit from 12" to 15". Anything between has to be released. Outside of that range can be kept. We keep our share of fish under 12" from time to time because we know that there are tons of fish in that size class that need to be thinned out.
[QUOTE="redearhoosier;546057"]It seems catch and release is all the rage in the bass community now days. I have two questions, first, what is the main theory behind catch and release and two, is it scientifically proven to work?
I am a pan fishermen, so I typically keep and eat my catch. I do release pregnant female redear.[/QUOTE]
They're just fun to catch and not to good to eat, for me anyway. Catch and release has been the standard in bass fishing for 25yrs at least. I'd say be with the explosion of popularity of bass fishing it's probably a good thing. But I'm a softie and usually throw back crappie too. Even if have a limit. I'm also lazy and don't want to bother cleaning them.
Like dabassking said, if it swims away, it worked. And also you'd be suprised if you look in a fishes mouth when you catch it you can see where other hooks have been. Especially on the thin area around the lip of the fish. And the only time I keep a bass is when I'm at a pond that has to many. Keeping a decent bass out of a major lake is honestly a good way to lose fishing friends. Honestly they don't taste very good either. Would rather go catch some big bluegill and crappie to eat.
Of course it works. You let a fish go and swims away and lives to fight another day. If done enough years all the sudden that 12 inch bass let go several times becomes a five pounder. Google your question there is tons of articles where top notch fishery biologist explain how they totally buy in to the concept.
Here is a story most folks won't believe but its true. Two years ago I caught the same bass withing a 20 yard stretch of bank in Whipperwhill creek at CLand three times in two days. How do I know it was the same one because it was an ugly 15 inch largehead that had a weird hump right behind its head and a black spot on one gill plate. I actually caught the dummy twice in one day and again the next morning. The first day was in the morning and then again in the afternoon.
Are you ready for this part.....It hit the same bait all three times but the second day was a slightly different color but still the same top water bait.
True story, now if I keep that legal 15 incher the first day I can't catch it two more times. I actually laughed the third time out loud and said to the fish I should eat you...........you dumbass because somebody sure is but I let it go anyway, lol...
Thx Mark. That fish was quite tasty. :D Actually, according to the biologists and so-called experts, C&R does work and is absolutely necessary in maintaining healthy bass populations in larger lakes. Pond management is a little different story, where some targeted harvesting is OK. Anyway, I'm a believer and always release the bass I catch for all reasons previously stated. ALWAYS. When in the mood for a weekend fish fry, I take a little trip to my favorite bluegill pond. Oh yeah, and ice down a few cold ones and you can always count on the neighbors to show!