Catch and release - what about the eyes?

[moby28]

I'm all for catch and release. Something that really worries me is the potential damage we do to the fishes eyes when they are banging around on the deck/rocks prior to release (just watch You Tube clips). I don't have to tell you how NB vision is for pelagic fish spp. The eye is pronounced and fish obviously has no eyelids for protection. I can attest to how painful a corneal abrasion is. If fish don't have all their senses they very quickly become prey, so what is the point of 'çatch and release'?

My pledge is that I will try not to put my fish down prior to release. If it is too big then I'll not remove it from the water. Also, I'll use a lip gaff always.

 

[Limpopoking]

Hi. You have a really good point about the animal's eyes... I mainly fish from a boat and I go to extreme lengths to protect my catch from harm. I really get ratty when I see guys banging their big GTs over the gunnels and down onto the deck... I also get ratty when YouTubers keep their fish out on camera display for too long... yabbering about the fight and the colouration etc etc... I'm close to the stage where I would prefer to not even remove the fish from the water. That being said, I'll never stop fishing. I'd just be happier to know that my release survival rate is as high as it could possibly be.

Different story if you're planning on eating your catch... Just dispatch as quickly as possible.