The Logic Behind Catch and Release Fishing in Alaska

By E. Klages 

You are in Alaska's Sustina River, exhausted from reeling in an Alaskan rainbow trout that gave you quite a fight. Now that you've got the fish in hand, you need to carefully remove the hook and let it go. Wait a minute! Why let the rainbow go if you've just done so much work to bring it in?

Well, there are many reasons to let that rainbow go. Why should you practice catch and release fishing? Read on to find out the logic behind catch and release.

To Preserve Local Fish Populations

Alaska's native fish populations are threatened by many things. Environmental factors like water pollution, invasive species and of course, predators. Catch and release fishing conserves native fish stocks in Alaska. When there are more fish, there are more available for spawning and producing fry, keeping Alaska's native fish species intact. By using catch and release methods, you're helping to keep Alaska as one of the best places in the world for sport fishing.

For the Enjoyment of Future Anglers

As Alaskan sport fishing becomes more popular, the problem arises that there may be too many fishermen for too few fish. If that rainbow trout gave you a good fight, why not leave him to give another angler the same enjoyment another day? Practicing catch and release gives future anglers the opportunity to experience great fishing because there will be more fish to catch at a later time.

To Minimize Waste

Part of catch and release fishing is about simply releasing fish that you have no interest in using for trophies or consumption. Keeping fish that you have no plan to use is wasteful and pointless, especially since that fish could be of use to someone else or could be reproducing and furthering the native Alaskan fish population.

Because it's the Law!

The final reason why you should practice catch and release methods is because in many cases it is the law. In every region of Alaska, there are regulations on the size and type of fish that can be kept. Regulations are stiffer for some species like Alaskan King Salmon, for which you need a special license to fish. Failure to obey these laws may result in hefty fines or even your arrest. Why risk it?

Whether you practice catch and release fishing because of your personal beliefs or just because it is the law, using catch and release methods has many benefits including making you a considerate and thoughtful angler. Happy Fishing!

E. Klages provides Alaska fishing information and advice online for anglers visiting the Frontier State. The website, "Alaska Fishing 411" covers a wide range of topics from Alaskan fish species and top fishing spots to Alaska fly fishing. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=E._Klages