NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook

NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook 1 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 22 23 18 26 14 30 32 33 35 36 38 50 52 54 54 56 58 60 3 4 6 8 10 12 16 23 26 28 29 40 42 45 46 48 2

...... Black Bream Yellowfin Bream Yellowfin Eastern Sea Garfish Sand Mullet Sand Whiting Trevally Silver Snapper Tailor Kingfish Yellowtail Crab Blue Swimmer Eastern Rocklobster Southern Rocklobster Giant Mud Crab species or protected Threatened Acknowledgements Dusky Flathead Southern Sand Flathead Luderick Mulloway Bass Australian Catfish Freshwater Golden Perch Murray Cod Perch Silver CONTENTS Research results for individual species individual for results Research Fishing competitions Fishing Why catch and release? and catch Why die? invertebrates fish and aquatic do released Why fish? you will when and how go—where, you Before there—best are practiceWhile you survival maximise methods to extra effortSpecial cases that require Humane harvest methods Summary results of research Introduction General responsible fishing guidelines General responsible

Disclaimer is based on knowledge in this publication the and understanding at contained information The of reminded users are in knowledge, because of advances However, 2013). time of writing (August is up-to-date upon which they rely information check the currency that and to ensure the need to advisor. independent user’s of NSW DPI or the officer with the appropriate of the information 1994 or other acts Act Management It the Fisheries does not replace is a guide only. publication This in a fishing. It cannot be used as a defence recreational or affecting and statutory rules applying to, court of law. of this publication. change during It is the the life may regulations fishing Recreational actingat all times. they are within the law to ensure of fishers responsibility 4321, Box PO of NSW, NSW DPI on behalf of the State by is produced publication This ISBN: 978 1 74256 573 6 (web) 11258_AUG2013 © State of New South Wales through the Department of Trade and Investment, Regional Regional and Investment, Trade the Department through of Wales of New South © State print display, download, may You is copyright. publication This Infrastructure and Services 2013. personal your for this notice) only (retaining form an unaltered in this material and reproduce or publish, distribute adapt, copy, To organisation. non-commercial use within your use or for the NSW Department seek permission from will need to you of this publication any commercialise of Primary Industries (NSW DPI). Harbour. Coffs 3 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013

available from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Fisheries the Department from available of Agriculture, Do not interfere with commercial fishing and keep clear of boating channels. Obtain channels. and keep clear of boating fishing Do with commercial not interfere property private on established accessing and only drive before landholders permission from roads. particularly undue risks, fishing or boating. and do not take any when rock safely Fish to Refer go fishing. you before conditions swell and forecasts check weather Always information. for more www.safefishing.com.au Fisheries or the Officer your local NSW DPI contact If suspect you illegal fishing activity, 1800 043 536. Phoneline Watch Fishers for of Practice to the National Code refer fishing, on responsible information more For and SportRecreational Fishing or visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries. www.daff.gov.au/publications/fisheries Forestry Only keep sufficient catch for your needs, and follow the current NSW DPI regulations. NSW DPI the current follow and needs, your for catch Only keep sufficient species, those classified as noxious except catches, Quickly all illegal or unwanted release methods outlined on pages 10–13. and release the best practice catch following important species are ecosystems. to Remember all native that species using the methods Quickly and noxious catch and humanely kill retained your catch. retained chill your immediately always wastage, avoid To outlined on pages 14–15. Return unused live responsibly. fishing tackle discarded waste and fish Dispose of all litter, collected. they were where areas baits to friendly fishing tackle such as non-lead sinkers, use environmentally possible, Wherever engines. boat maintain minimise pollution, To line and non-stainless hooks. biodegradable checking set traps regularly lines, any your attending always by wildlife injuriesReduce to turtles of birds, or areas and breeding known feeding and avoiding and hoop nets, habitat. damaging avoid and anchoring when boating to care Take platypus. and are retrieved pelicans can be slowly it in. Even calm. Gently reel stay If hook a bird, you remove and carefully head and eyes or shirt the bird’s a towel over Place placid. generally if the hook has been swallowed the bird Do not cut the line or release the hook or line. Rescue: Seabird contact the Australian Instead, easily. remove to deeply or embedded too WIRES call north 862 676 or south 0431 282 238; or alternatively 0438 0428 862 852, central 1800 641188. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ GENERAL RESPONSIBLE FISHING GUIDELINES FISHING RESPONSIBLE GENERAL ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Prepared by Karina Hall, Paul Butcher and Matt Broadhurst, NSW Department and Matt Broadhurst, Butcher of Primary Karina Industries, by Paul Hall, Prepared Unit. Technology Conservation Fisheries Following the practices outlined in this guide will help you to maximise the survival to the practices will help you outlined in this guide of released Following the sustainability of and promote resources minimise impacts to aquatic fish and invertebrates, the future. fishing into recreational The NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) promotes responsible fishing. This guide NSW DepartmentThe of Primary fishing. responsible Industries (NSW DPI) promotes and freshwater inshore methods for and release best practice catch summarises the current detailed in the regulations It fisheries with the species. should be used in combination recreational at can be found which Guides, Fishing and Freshwater Saltwater NSW Recreational www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries. INTRODUCTION

NSW R NSW ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Release and Catch Fishing ecreational 2 5 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 fair, if severely affected if severely fair, affected if moderately good, minimally affected. if excellent, ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Some of the findings are relevant to many many to relevant Someare findings of the basis of general the and form species section, summarisedguidelines front in this specific information more by which is followed studied in were species that about individual detail. greater and catch suitabilityThe species for of each based was rating This also rated. was release on the likely survival of individuals after knownexperiencing harmful one or more fishing: factors during conventional While considerable progress has been made progress considerable While and release best practice catch identify to than 50 still more are there procedures, important NSW and other fishing species in In be investigated. need to that scenarios very has been done with little work particular, angled are that fish, especially those oceanic freshwater deep water, from and released species. or bycatch cephalopods crustaceans, is clearly an ongoing priority, Such research will be included in future and the results we In the meantime, guide. of this updates the broad follow to closely fishers encourage Doing so will outlined here. recommendations impacts some of our to minimise unwanted resources. aquatic most valuable This guide combines all of the relevant all of the relevant guide combines This with some similar NSW, from results research and states other Australian studies from and practice outline best catch to overseas, methods. release Other more regulated experiments in ponds or or in ponds experiments Other regulated more specific investigate used to been aquaria have or deep- barotrauma (e.g. factors of interest or when only aquaculture hook shedding) Silver and Mulloway (e.g. available were fish also were experiments and release Tag Perch). fate the longer-term investigate to completed these results from The fish. of some angled included in not been have other experiments summarised but are survival tables, estimates individual species pages. on the appropriate Catch and release research in NSW research and release Catch Fisheries 2001, the NSW DPI Since with funding Unit, Technology Conservation has been fees, licence recreational from the survival and health of key investigating and crustaceans fish freshwater and inshore Most of this work and release. after catch fishers recreational volunteer has involved with their conventional key species targeting into their catches methods and then releasing for monitoring, field-based cages or tanks days. five less than typically over

WHY CATCH AND RELEASE? AND CATCH WHY The good news is that Australian and Australian is that good news The most inshore that shows research international survive fish and crustaceans and freshwater fishing and release catch and that after release, conserving and managing for is effective it very are positive, these results While stocks. survival species, can many for is also clear that health to the effects and adverse be improved and catch if appropriate of individuals reduced chosen. practices are release Every recreational fisher should Everyknow recreational handle fish and aquatic and catch to how individuals released ensure to invertebrates of survival. the best chance Bag and have closed seasons and locations limits, size certain all require species, and protected be need to so you be released, individuals to is also popular and release Catch prepared. as a voluntary and has conservation measure, competitions. fishing many by been adopted

NSW R NSW ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Release and Catch Fishing ecreational 4 7 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Temperature shock Temperature are Most invertebrates aquatic fish and body their maintain independently to unable changes (e.g. rapid and Large temperature. surface deep to from 5°C during retrieval by death. cause shock and even can water) the normal beyond air temperatures or Water also increase of species can ranges tolerance the effects of other factors, or exacerbate stress harmful bacteria Many tend like air exposure. which can temperatures, warmer flourish in to the risk or extent of infection. increase Toxicity excrete fish and stress, During exercise ammonia than when more considerably wells If held in live fish are resting. they are ammonia exchange, water without adequate lethal to increase can rapidly concentrations and cause mortality. levels Fish health and welfare Fish an animal during by experienced stress The handling can also cause other and capture could diminish their sublethal effects that fish with example, For welfare. long-term or throat deep hooks (in the gills, retained or any lose appendages, that gut), crustaceans or fatigued stressed overly are individuals that less than reproduce or even grow feed, could normal after release. Stress similar undergo invertebrates and aquatic Fish as stressors to responses physiological internal of stress circulation increased including do, we divert responses energy These hormones. normal bodily functions. Catch from away at least fishing is to cause and release known but species, in most stress some physiological within three fully recover individuals generally days. five to energy extreme, or too If is prolonged stress and depleted totally become reserves may Innormal bodily functions particular, cease. may handling excessive times or long fight a point individuals to exhaust totally or fatigue Confinement recover. unable to are they that also may net or trap keeper well, in a live particularly stress, if or prolong increase or or during warm temperatures overcrowded stressors combined, When quality. poor water can have individually tolerable are that overwhelming effects. cumulative, exposure air Suffocation—through and breathe to oxygen need Just as we But unlike organisms. survive, do aquatic so extract invertebrates fish and aquatic us, and can only water from oxygen dissolved gill when their fragile effectively breathe and unrestricted, submerged are filaments can respire that some crustaceans for except days. many for out of water while being removed (e.g. During air exposure are gears or when photographs fishing from effectively animals are taken), most aquatic prolonged Thus, holding their breath. can cause additional stress air exposure The time until suffocation. and eventually but is varies species, between suffocation shortergenerally fish than crustaceans. for suffocate also may invertebrates and aquatic Fish nets, keeper wells, while held in live (e.g. in water oxygen in meshes), if dissolved or entangled through not maintained are concentrations or if their or aeration, exchange water regular meshes). by obstructed (e.g. are gills

poor handling, including being dropped dropped including being poor handling, can cause which the deck or ground, onto or mucus loss and/or scale appendage, gill damage fin or a change in depth by induced barotrauma which can compress and pressure, or rupture over-inflate or evert organs, in or result bulge eyes the swim bladder, or externalinternal bleeding. ■ ■ ■ ■ Death can result directly from the injuries the directlyfrom result can Death abilityto the individual’s effect on or their and function, predators evading including food. acquiring Other from: injuries can result Such injuries can predispose individuals to individuals to Such injuries can predispose function. infection or compromised later

INVERTEBRATES DIE? INVERTEBRATES WHY DO RELEASED FISH AND AQUATIC AQUATIC AND FISH RELEASED DO WHY Physical injury Physical injuries in fish and aquatic physical Many contact with caused by are invertebrates hooks can example, For the fishing gear. in fish and cause puncturevital organs and nets can traps while bleeding, excessive and and damage both crustaceans entangle fish. Being aware of and understanding why of and understanding why Being aware die can invertebrates fish and aquatic released and catch your and adjust reassess to help you maximise their survival. methods to release Most deaths after catch and release usually usually and release Most after deaths catch often associated and are day within one occur stress, injuries, physical with extreme But toxicity. or shock temperature suffocation, when appear healthy that other individuals sometimes many can also die later, released These delayed after event. the fishing weeks mortalities disease directly caused by often are of or starvation, the predation or indirectly by individuals. weakened

NSW R NSW ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Release and Catch Fishing ecreational 6 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 8 fishing insummer, to avoid hotafternoons. try water andhotairtemperatures. you If are usually increase ofwarmer periods during The negative effectsofcatch and release When incline (e.g. ahighjetty). dragging itacross rough ground orupasteep you caneasilylandyour catch without (e.g. grounds). Also consider nursery whether species orundersized individualsare common avoid areas where threatened orprotected barotrauma to (seepage12).Likewise, try or beprepared to dealwithfishthat have youIf can,fishin water shallower than10 m, Where ofany releasedsurvival individuals. you shouldconsider to ensure themaximum Before you gofishing, there are things various HOWWILL YOU FISH? BEFORE YOUGO —WHERE, WHEN AND —WHERE, WHEN these deeperhabitats at thesetimes. To prevent barotrauma, avoid targeting fishin deeper andallow fish to distribute below 10 m. oxygen profiles inimpoundments extend lateDuring autumnandwinter, dissolved reproduction release. after gonadal development could interfere with to suggestthattheir anglingfishduring aren’t obviously ripe, there issomeevidence fish that have barotrauma. Even ifindividuals andcompress thegonadsin expand further crustaceans orallowingeggs inberried airto with care, to minimisedamaging ordislodging individuals shouldbeimmediately released spawning, closures.Ripe irrespective offishery Also, avoid targeting their speciesduring deep hooking or damage during unhooking. ordamageduring deep hooking or circle hooks;thesereduce and/orbarbless escaping. lures only, Consider usingartificial undersized individualsand/orunwanted fish crab andlobster traps increase thechances of example, larger meshsizes and ‘escape gaps’ in individuals andunwanted species. For to avoidand tackle catching undersized Choose appropriate fishingmethods, gears How pinched flat. For example, canbefiledoffor thebarbs Conventional hookscanbeeasilymodified. aerators). grips, long-nosepliers, gloves, live wells and them alive (e.g. landing net, jaw knotless andefficiently unhookfishand keep quickly Ensure you have allequipment neededto stress, recovery times and chances ofmortality. rapidly exhaust fishand greatly increase their to minimiseretrieval time. Long playing times rod and linestrengths to your target species choices includematching important Other weak point for degradation ifswallowed by afish. protective coating andeffectively provides a hook reduces thewire diameter, removes the Cutting ofathick asmallnotch inthe shaft lost to the environment orswallowed by fish. length. Thin hooksdegrade more readily if 0.9 mm orlessfor fishsmallerthan40 cm total possible wire diameter. For example, choose should ideallychooseonewiththenarrowest ofthehookshapeorsize,Irrespective you hooking. to thehookeye canalmosteliminate deep simply adding1.5–2 cmofstiffhorizontal wire Alternatively, someresearch hasshown that

Before you go—Where, when and how will you fish? you will how and when go—Where, you Before ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Handbook Release and Catch Fishing ecreational NSW R NSW 9 10 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 the bait. slack linesthat allow time fish to swallowextra aspossible.to Avoid setthehookasquickly Paythe hook. attention fishlines andactively traces orasinkeron hooks, withshort orrigs lures andcircle suchasartificial deep hooking, that minimise fishing methodsandtackle thatcommon reduces factor Use fishsurvival. hasbeenidentified asthemost hooking Deep deephooking Minimise when releasing unstudiedspecies. below. You shouldalsoapplytheseprocedures others alsoapplyto crustaceans, asindicated relateclearly to fishandanglingonly, while ofmostspeciesstudiedto date.survival Some follow that have beenshown to maximisethe there are somecommon steps that you can to catch andrelease fishing. Nevertheless, species, canrespond differentlyof aparticular Different species, oreven sizes, agesandsexes METHODS TO MAXIMISE SURVIVAL if itisabsolutely necessary. water. Onlyremove your catch from thewater ideally unhookfishwhiletheyare stillinthe To minimisestress andphysical damage, catchLand quickly WHILE YOUARETHERE— BEST PRACTICE your time. theirappendages,breaking itisbetter to take and forcibly removing themfrom meshes and longer airexposures, sorather than quickly contrast,In somecrustaceans can tolerate support. mat, rather thanheldwithminimalbody water orresting onawet towel ormeasuring suffocation. Ideallyphotograph fishinthe their airexposure andthechances of onboard, andminimise to handlefishquickly prepared,Be andhave therightequipment airexposureMinimise to crabs. three hours)toleast every minimisedamage Hoop netsshouldbecheckedregularly (at minimise abrasion, scalelossandfindamage. netto cradle large-mesh rather thanaknotted orrubberlandingnet, slingor fine-mesh knotless usinga landingfish,dosoquickly If hooks. fish can feed andlater shed deeply imbedded handling time, andtherefore mortality. Most hooks canincrease injuries, bleeding and release thefish. Attempting to remove deep simply cutthelinecloseto themouthand For alldeephooks(inthegills, throat or gut), Cut thelineondeephooks available to firmly grasp thehookand remove. the rightequipment (e.g. long-nose pliers) to feeding. notsimplytear Do hooksout. Have oflaterthe possibility ingestionorobstruction tongue, flooror roof ofthemouth) to reduce possible,If remove allmouthhooks(inthelips, Remove mouthhooks detecting fooddetecting andmates. theirantennae,breaking whichare vitalfor lobsters by thebodyandavoid and contacting and increase thechances ofdeath. Handle open wounds allow water to enter theirbody theirappendages,breaking becauseany from traps andnets. particular, to In avoid try completely untangled before removing them For crustaceans, ensure allindividualsare individuals offthehook over water. touching thebody, andinstead gently shake avoid fragile specieslikegarfish, particularly holdfishandfirmly avoid dropping them. For (e.g. jaw grips, andwet gloves ortowels) to Usewet appropriate surfaces. equipment To damage, onlyplace limitskin fishon cool, mucus andscaleloss, andfin oreye damage. your handling offish Minimise to reduce their Avoid rough handling tank for 30–60minutes may benefitsurvival. covers, placingtheminanaerated recovery fishwithflaredoxygen-starved andlocked gill to increase flow over the gills. For particularly current orifinstillwater, gently ‘swim’ them away by holdingthemuprightfacinginto the that appearexhausted orunableto swim water; donotthrow them.Revive any fish returnGently fishandinvertebrates to the Carefully release catch

11 ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Handbook Release and Catch Fishing ecreational R NSW While you are there—Best practice survival methods survival practice there—Best are you While 12 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 surviving. returned thewater, thebetter theirchances of The quickerthat fishwithbarotrauma are of fishiftheyare not released appropriately. and rivers. Barotrauma may reduce thesurvival freshwater fishcaught from deeplakes, dams saltwater species, barotrauma canalsooccur in Although usuallyassociated withoffshore careful notto theseorgans. puncture of themouthorintestines outofthe anus. Be hard abdomen,bulging eyes orstomach out visibleeffectsmay includeaninflatedOther and unableto return to theirpreferred depth. cause fish to become excessively buoyant enlarge, compress ordamageorgans or vessels bleeding, causinginternal orexternal The expanded gasescanblockorburst blood other tissuesasfishare retrieved to thesurface. expansion ofgasesintheswimbladderand than 10m.Barotrauma iscausedby therapid when theyare caught from water deeper fishmaySome experience barotrauma, usually Barotrauma EFFORT SPECIAL CASES THAT REQUIRE EXTRA hook onaseparate dedicated rope. rapidly release fish,ithelps to have the the approximate capture depth. To and tugitupward whenthefish reaches water. Allow thelineto unravel freely send thefishheadfirstback into the through thelower jaw membrane and theweighted, hook barbless Insert Release weight should have: youIf intend to target fishindeep water, you by barotrauma includethefollowing. Recommended for bestpractices fishaffected ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ until allgasisexpelled. gas escaping. Holdtheneedlesteady scale at 45°to thebody, until you hear asterile needleundera slowly insert firmly and fin.Holdthefish pectoral dorsal spineandtipoftheflattened orfifth belowintersection theforth between species, butisusuallyat the of theswimbladder, whichvaries techniquethe correct andthelocation Only attempt to ventknow fishif you Venting deal withindividualsthat have barotrauma. to quickly appropriate andskills knowledge gloves sterile venting needles a release weight orcageonadedicated line venting caninjure fishand reduce survival. with appropriate equipment. Incorrect only bedoneby anexperienced operator need to bevented (seebelow). This should predators (e.g. birds itmay orsharks), or released where there are many unable to submerge inshallow water, afishiseitherfloating inaliveIf well, with aweighted device (seebelow). return itto theapproximate capture depth is unableto submerge indeepwater, to submerge, leave ituntreated. thefish If afishis If released immediately andable

recirculation pumpandspray system. least, provide aeration from abubbleror constant flow-through system. At the very for longerthanonehour, you shouldhave a live weigh-in tournament, andholdingfish youinadelayed-release,If are participating 15minuteshalf ofthewater thereafter. every don’t have aflow-through system, exchange oftheday.your firstfish,not atthestart you If Fill your live well withwater whenyou catch each otherandbeableto around. turn sufficient space to avoid touchingthesidesor target speciesandbaglimit. Fish shouldhave it islarge enoughto accommodate your youIf usealive well even briefly, ensure that Live wells should be avoided. abrasion, scalelossandfindamage, and the breathing or movement offishandcause Collapsible, keepernets restrict knotted-mesh exchange andspace asabove for live wells. meshandallow adequateand knotless water in keepernets, theseshouldhave rigid frames youIf are holdingfish over thesideofa vessel onboard. theirweight ifbought of theboat orsupport or cradle to holdfishin water over theside Ideally,supported. useasmooth-sidedsling photographs, theentire bodyshouldbe Even whenheldhorizontally during stretch theirbackbones. can injure andpermanently thesestructures from theirjaws,fish vertically eyes or gills orsuspendthemvertically.lift Holdinglarge horizontallythat andnever are to supported Therefore, onlyusejaw grips to secure fish theirbodyweights outofwater.to support oflarge fishareThe backbones notdesigned allow quickhookremoval. sided slingsorcradles) to secure firmly fishand towels orothersimilardevices (e.g. smooth- and release. Use jaw grips, wet gloves and which cancausegreater stress catch during takelongerto landand unhook, typically heavier andmore difficult tohandle, they Unfortunately, becausebigfishare generally offspring to populations. more eggsandcontribute agreater numberof and rare. Large females alsogenerally produce sure you are prepared. Bigfishare old often Everyone loves to catch abigone, butmake Big fish

13 ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Handbook Release and Catch Fishing ecreational R NSW 14 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 location for localfishspecies. www.ikijime.com for information onthebrain to thebrain blunt withaheavy tool. Refer to slightly above theeyes inthearea adjacent should bemadeto theheadjustbehindand andto area. thecorrect swiftly blow Asharp immediate unconsciousness ifitisdelivered For fish,percussive stunningshouldcause Fish irrespective oftheircondition. always beimmediately returned to thewater, threatened orprotected species, whichmust only exceptions are undersized individualsor andhumanelykilled. should beswiftly The any retained catch ornoxious species, these release. after and unlikelyto survive As with may injured beseriously capture during Despite your bestefforts,someanimals HUMANE HARVEST METHODS the spine after immersion. the spineafter species may stillrequire pithingorsevering of freshwater andsaltwater, respectively. Some and benowarmerthan0°Cminus4°Cfor should ideallybecheckedwithathermometer a 50%volume ofice. temperatureThe slurry 20 minutes inanice slurry, whichhasat least water fishmay beimmersed for more than Alternatively, smallormediumwarm- promptly. gill covers andeyes shouldcease movement When thesemethodsare the appliedcorrectly bending theheadbackto sever thespine. the samelocation orby cutting thethroat and pointed(called pithing)withasharp tool at This shouldbefollowed by piercing thebrain correct forhumane point dispatch X

Red cross imagesindicates on species

it withoutfirstdestroying centres. thesenerve individual’s headandchestfrom itstail, orcook the headandchestarea. notseparate Do an and thenrapidly remove centres thenerve in the headandsecond towards thetail; the first fromtowards thetail/chestjunction, with alarge knife. two quickcuts sharp Make animal inhalflengthwise alongtheunderside These shouldbedestroyed by cuttingthe centres down theirmidlinefrom headto tail. Lobsters andcrayfish have achainofnerve destroyed asfollows. minutes, before theircentralare rapidly nerves for (asdescribed fish) for iceat least20 slurry All crustaceans shouldbeimmersedinan Crustaceans nerve centres.nerve orboilcrabs beforesection destroying their carapace (shell)andthendestroyed. not Do tool orexposed by rapidly removing thetop abdominal flapwithathickpointed pithing centralunderside inthesoft area underthe front andrear) that canbepierced through the Crabs have centres two mainnerve (at the of publication. on thebestinformation available at the time above guidelineshave been developed based forof research, invertebrates. particularly The isarapidly evolvingHumane harvesting area and cuttlefishcanbedecapitated. by pithinginthat location. Alternatively, squid on three illustrations) andare bestdestroyed of theheadjustbehindeyes (see red cross Cephalopod brains are located inthemiddle destroyed asfollows. 20 minutes, before theirbrains are rapidly foricey (asdescribed slurr fish) for at least Cephalopods shouldalsobe immersedinan Cephalopods

15 ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Handbook Release and Catch Fishing ecreational R NSW NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 17 Fishing competitions Releasing fish Releasing be beneficial may it During traffic, heavy boat released be fish can where an area off rope to of additional injurywith less chance or or stirred-up propellers engine from stress long periods for air to exposed Fish sediments. onboard retention or lengthy during weigh-in brief a period in an aerated/ from benefit may release. tank before revival flow-through of patterns the movement consider Also swim away Is it likely to species. the target a nesting, Is it after release? the area from or territorial species like aggregating or Murray Flathead Dusky Catfish, Freshwater have to appropriate be more it may If so, Cod? at procedures or weigh-in release immediate location. the capture good practices Reward to encourage incentives offering Consider prizes adopt best practicesthrough anglers to the quality than just the quantity of rather for fish caught. Best practice methodsBest practice competition for Outline standards minimum mandatoryparticipation flow-through (e.g. or lure-only events, weigh-in live for wells live and best practice catch encourage that events) methods. release procedures Weigh-in at procedures adopting weigh-in Consider validation, photo such as of capture, the point pre-certifiedbuddy systems, roving or scales particularly species that marshal boats, for Golden Perch (e.g. survive wells poorly in live better Most species have Trevally). or Silver release. survival delayed than after immediate times retention fish reduce to Alternatively, shorter introducing consider wells, in live include just peak periods when fish sessions to be on the bite. most likely to are avoid to procedures weigh-in design Carefully fish. stressed already to air exposure lengthy number of marshal boats, an adequate Have rapidly to or stewards stations weigh-in (e.g. Use fish friendly equipment fish. process fine-mesh slings or bags or smooth-material large-mesh than rigid, baskets) duringrather loss and scale and mucus reduce to weigh-in fin damage.

ineligible individuals. ineligible conservative species size more Introduce and bag limits than NSW DPI regulations. Restrict numbers. entrant handle afflicted fish using release weights weights release handle afflicted using fish with appropriate needles, or clean venting or wells live adequate or have training, tanks. recovery species. Limit the number of eligible rather awards species-based Introduce weights. than aggregated an up-to-date to Display scoreboard presenting fishers from discourage Avoid known spawning aggregations or known aggregations spawning Avoid species habitats. protected afternoons (e.g. warm temperatures Avoid deeper than 10 m in summer) and water the survivalbecause both can reduce of If competitions species. released many ensure these conditions, run under are participants best to how understand ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Consider introducing competition rules that rules that competition introducing Consider of individuals number minimise the total such as those listed and released, caught below.

FISHING COMPETITIONS FISHING Where, when and how Where, can attract large competitions Fishing to a specific numbers of fishers and spectators local on additional pressures placing area, responsible practice It is therefore fish stocks. where, seriously consider to organisers for will be run to the competition when and how maximise the survival fish. of released Responsible fishing methods include the following. It is in the best interests of event organisers organisers of event It best interests is in the ethical and and participants promote to minimise practices, fishing responsible the concerns and allay impacts resources to This of other users and community groups. fishing for future a positive ensure will help to in NSW. competitions If you are organising or participating organising If are in a you competition, there fishing and release catch A summary consider. things to additional are but for below, is provided of the main points please visit information comprehensive more copy to obtain a www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries in NSW. Events for Fishing of Practice of the Code

Fishing competitions Fishing NSW R NSW ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Release and Catch Fishing ecreational 16 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook — 2013 19 Summary of research results Page 30 32 33 35 36 38 40 Main factors for survival reduced Deep hooking and removal. hook Bleeding from and long traces. wounds, None identified. wells. Extended time in live Deep hooking and removal, damage and and associated bleeding. Deep hooking and removal, damage and and associated bleeding. Deep hooking and damage and associated worse which were bleeding, when held in a landing net than restrained. rather % survival * 96 97 63–98 67–92 92 85 Saltwater fish Saltwater Species Mulloway Sand Mullet Sand Whiting Trevally Silver Snapper Tailor Kingfish Yellowtail Page 23 23 28 26 26 29 Main factors for survival reduced Deep hooking and removal, Deep hooking and removal, damage and and associated bleeding. Deep hooking and removal, Deep hooking and removal, damage and and associated bleeding. Deep hooking, excessive Deep hooking, excessive scale loss and extended air exposure. Deep hooking and and bleeding, associated quality. poor live-well water Deep hooking and bleeding. associated None identified. experiments in ponds or aquaria or from tag- or aquariaponds in experiments from or on the only included are studies and-release species for except pages, species individual are These available. were no other data where in the tables. an asterisk* by indicated % survival * 72–92 46 91–97 * 99

Saltwater fish Saltwater Species Bream, Black Bream, Bream, Yellowfin Bream, Eastern SeaEastern Garfish Flathead, Dusky Flathead, Flathead, Southern Sand Flathead, Luderick

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH RESULTS RESEARCH OF SUMMARY Percentage survival factors and main Percentage for summarised below Most of the results fish species and freshwater key NSW inshore that events field-based from obtained were fishing survivalmonitored after conventional than shallower mostly in water and release regulated more 10 m. Other from results

Summary of research results research of Summary NSW R NSW ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook— 2013 Handbook— Release and Catch Fishing ecreational 18 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook — 2013 21 Summary of research results Page 52 56 54 54 Main factors causing harm Limb loss during removal Limb loss during removal and hoop traps from handling on rough nets, soft-shelled and crabs bleeding wounds. Limb loss caused by Limb loss caused by particularly traps, netted hoop nets. Predation in traps and in traps Predation limb loss during hand collection when diving. Predation in traps and in traps Predation limb loss during hand collection when diving. % survival after release 99 100 100 – monitoring over up to 90 days. Because most 90 days. to up over monitoring survived, main factors the crustaceans listed than death. harm caused rather that those are are experiments other related from results The and on also summarisedtable below, in the species pages. the individual % survival in traps 100 100 97 – Saltwater crustaceans Saltwater Species Blue Swimmer Crab Blue Swimmer Giant Mud Crab Mud Crab Giant Rocklobster, Eastern Eastern Rocklobster, Rocklobster, Southern Saltwater crustaceans Saltwater survival from The estimated was of crustaceans the most involved that experiments regulated gears. fishing methods and NSW common divided were estimates appropriate, Where in those occurring during confinement into cages for into and then after release traps, Page 42 45 46 48 50 refer to text on page 18. to refer * Main factors for survival reduced Deep hooking typically with small fish sizes baits, natural and warm termperatures. Deep hooking. Deep hooking with natural and fish sizes large baits, (warm time of capture temperatures). Restraining fish with bare fish with bare Restraining hands. Deep hooking and hook removal. % survival 94–100 97 57–100 80–85 *

Freshwater fish Freshwater Species Australian Bass Australian Freshwater Catfish Freshwater Golden Perch Murray Cod Murray Silver Perch Silver

Summary of research results research of Summary NSW R NSW ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook— 2013 Handbook— Release and Catch Fishing ecreational 20 Research results for individual species NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 23 Acanthopagrus butcheri am Acanthopagrus Black Bre Black canthopagrus australis Acanthopagrus Bream Yellowfin Similar species auratus SnapperPagrus Rhabdosargus sarba Tarwhine data catch Recreational total released of the than 63% and more retained in NSW, Bream Yellowfin of 820–1070 tonnes in 2000–01. 12 months over Australia throughout caught Tarwhine and number of all breams and release catch Suitability for Good. Survival 10 days, over released wells and 72% when immediately 92% when held in live Bream: Yellowfin in NSW. angling event after one conventional survival Main factors reduced that damage and bleeding. and associated Deep hooking and removal, Reviewing hook degradation Reviewing hook degradation Barotrauma in fish angled from deep water. Go water. deep angled from in fish Barotrauma Fishing 25, pp. 86–87. 25, pp. Fishing line-caught and and fishery Research Australian research South review of information. fish: a South Australia. Sciences), Adelaide, Institute (Aquatic Development 31–35. to promote ejection after ingestion by marine fish. Marine and Freshwater Research 62: Research Freshwater ejection marine after fish. promote ingestion by Marineto and 1237–1247. Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra, Australia. Canberra, and Forestry, Fisheries Department Government Agriculture, of Australian Australia. NSW, Cronulla, Industry NSW, & Investment

RESEARCH RESULTS FOR INDIVIDUAL SPECIES INDIVIDUAL FOR RESULTS RESEARCH McGrath S.P., Butcher P.A., Broadhurst M.K. S.C. (2011). Broadhurst and Cairns P.A., Butcher S.P., McGrath Other relevant literature is listed at the end of each individual species page. at is listed literature Other relevant National strategy for the survival for of released strategy (2002). National T.M. Ward Jones G.K. L.J., and McLeay Bulletin, pp. Fish Information and will it survive? Reef SPC Live “bent” fish (2003). Is your John J. St Fisheries 20–28. 34: survival fish? promote of released G.R. (2009). Does venting Wilde Hall K.C., Broadhurst M.K. and Butcher P. (2009). (2009). Hall K.C., M.K. P. Broadhurst and Butcher Other general reading relevant to multiple species includes: multiple to Other relevant reading general The national recreational and indigenous fishing survey. fishing survey. and indigenous recreational national (2003). The J.M. Lyle and Henry G.W. K., NSW 2008–09. in Rowling Hegartyresources of fisheries Status (2010). (Eds) M. and Ives A.-M. Recreational catch and release data included on the following individual species pages were pages were species individual following on the included data release and catch Recreational extracted from:

Research results for individual species individual for results Research NSW R NSW ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Release and Catch Fishing ecreational 22 Research results for individual species NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 25 Acanthopagrus Acanthopagrus Acanthopagrus Acanthopagrus Acanthopagrus Acanthopagrus Fate of three Australian Australian of three Fate Effects of angler-induced Effects of angler-induced Tough bream! Fishing World, June 2006, p. 38. June 2006, p. World, Fishing bream! Tough . Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 74: 17–26. Organisms japonicus Aquatic . Diseases of and Argyrosomus australis Victoria, Primary anglers. Industries Research recreational by released and caught black bream Victoria, Australia. Queenscliff, black bream caught on the hooking of recreationally and the catch location 338–344. 84: Research Fisheries butcheri. ) in the Glenelg butcheri (Acanthopagrus black bream caught recreationally for factorsinfluential 92: 303–313. Research Fisheries Australia. south eastern River, ) released with ingested ingested with ) released australis (Acanthopagrus mortality bream of yellowfin behaviour and ICES Journal of Marinehooks. 67: 1175–1184. Science hooking the anatomical on of line-caught location rig configuration bream, yellowfin 15: 303–313. Management and Ecology Fisheries australis. Acanthopagrus on short-term effects hook location: anatomical mortalityof angler-caught ICES hooks. stainless- and carbon-steel and modified after conventional ingesting teleosts Journal of Marine 68: 1–9. Science exercise and air exposure on the mortality ( and air exposure bream of mouth-hooked yellowfin exercise 25: 100–103. ). Journal Ichthyology of Applied australis Fisheries SocietyTransactions 138: 692–697. American of the Australia. angler-caught fish in Assessment of mortality Morison and Assessment A. (2004). and snapper of under-size S., Gritxi D. Conron technique and angling effect of hook/bait size The (2007). Jones P.L. and S.D. Conron Grixti D., survival post-release (2008). Estimating and the MorisonJones P.L. A. and S.D., Conron Grixti D., S.C. (2011). and Cairns M.K., P.A. Broadhurst Butcher S.P., McGrath Influence of terminal Influence S.C. (2008). of Cairns and M.K., Broadhurst D. Reynolds P.A., Butcher C.A. (2007). Release method and and Gray Reid D.D. M.K., Broadhurst D., Reynolds P.A., Butcher M. (2006). and Broadhurst P. Butcher Reynolds D., Reynolds D.P., Broadhurst M.K., Butcher P.A. and Rolfe M. (2009). and Rolfe M.K., P.A. Broadhurst Butcher Reynolds D.P., Effect of hook removal on recapture rates of 27 species of rates recapture on removal (2009). Effect of hook W. G.R. and Sawynok Wilde

Bream: the survivor. Fishing World, July 2006, p. 62. July 2006, p. World, Fishing the survivor. Bream: Use carbon-steel hooks with wire diameters narrower than 0.9 mm and minimal protective than 0.9 mm and minimal protective narrower diameters with wire hooks carbon-steel Use maximise degradation. to coating Remove mouth hooks, and cut the line for deep-hooked and cut the line for fish. mouth hooks, Remove mouth to promote crustaceans) baits (e.g. hooks with hard or actively fish circle lures Use hooking. deep-hooked fish. Cutting the line on both species when they were deep hooked increased their survival hooked increased deep from when they were the line on both species Cutting 81–100%. 12–58% to the line on no detrimental effects of cutting study in Queensland showed tagging A long-term Deep hooking was least frequent in small Black Bream that were caught with actively fished caught were that Deep in small Black Bream hooking least frequent was hooks. large Larger Yellowfin Bream more readily shed their deep hooks. shed their deep readily more Bream Yellowfin Larger used that Victoria in during angling events eight days, 74–95% survival three Black Bream: over hooks and baits. terminal specific rigs, Deep hooking was most frequent in Yellowfin Bream caught with conventional J-hooks, soft J-hooks, conventional with caught Bream Yellowfin Deep in hooking frequent most was particularly and gut) and slack lines, squid hooks and long traces. those with single baits (e.g. within 105 days. shed their hooks Bream Yellowfin 76% of deep-hookedUp to Yellowfin Bream: 95% survival over five days, after one angling event in NSW that used specific used that in NSW event angling one after days, survival 95% five Bream: over Yellowfin methods. and handling J-hooks 88–89. a Nordmøre-grid escape from after guiding panel simulated australis, Acanthopagrus bream, Bulletin of Marine Science 64: 255–268. hook and line. by capture from and release health and mortalityeffects on long-term bream Acanthopagrus yellowfin of angler-caught 74: 27–36. Organisms Diseases of Aquatic australis. estuary. Australian anglers in an (2005). Mortalityrecreational by released of key fish species Journal 171–179. of Experimental Marine 321: Biology and Ecology 52–53. pp. 84–86. 2007, pp. February ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Tag team fishing! Fishing World, May 2007, pp. 2007, pp. World, May Fishing fishing! team S. (2007). Tag McGrath and P. M., Butcher Broadhurst (1999). Scale-loss S.J. and Kennelly and survival yellowfin of juvenile M.K.,Broadhurst D.T. Barker M. (2007). Ingestion and Porter and ejection of hooks: C.P. Brand M.K., P.A., Broadhurst Butcher and Damiano C. Haddy J.A. D.J., Young M.E.L., Wooden C.A., Reid M.K., D.D., Broadhurst Gray April 2005, World, Fishing alive. Keeping bream (2005). Reynolds D. M. and Broadhurst P., Butcher survival. S. (2007). Bream Modern and Cairns Fishing, M., Reynolds D. Broadhurst P., Butcher biotelemetry (2011). Using assess the to and Ellis M.T. B.A. M.K., Broadhurst Orchard P.A., Butcher Further reading Further February 52–53. 2005, pp. World, Fishing fish. of releasing science M. (2005). The Broadhurst C. (2006). Brand and P. M., Butcher Broadhurst

Other research results (Bream cont…) (Bream results Other research Best practices for catch and release catch Best for practices

Effects of hooking Platycephalus bassensis). Platycephalus Both species swallowed lures and circle hooks less frequently than J-hooks. hooks less frequently and circle lures Both species swallowed it usually involved when this occurred deep hooked, were of either species fish few Although than lures. rather baits, natural among deep-hooked recapture greater study in Queensland indicated tagging A long-term than those with deep hooks removed. had their lines cut, that Dusky Flathead deep-hooked line for and cut the fish. mouth hooks, Remove hooking. mouth to promote baits with natural hooks or activelycircle fish lures Use a fine-mesh,Use to minimise fin and scale damage. knotless landing net aeration. and water with flow-through well live sized an adequately Use Dusky Flathead: 93% survival over four days, after one angling event in Queensland that used used Queensland in that after event angling one days, survival 93% four Dusky over Flathead: baits. hooks and specific that Tasmania in after event one angling days, 92% survival four Southern Sand over Flathead: hooks and baits. used specific than Flathead fin damage in KnottedDusky large-mesh knotless nets caused greater landing nets or no net. survival the of Southern improved Sand deep hooks, than removing rather the line, Cutting 81%. 60% to from Flathead damage and hook type on post-release survivaldamage and hook type on post-release ( of sand flathead 57, pp. 74–78. 57, pp. 72. 2006, p. November 81: 127–134. Organisms fuscus. Diseases of Aquatic dusky Platycephalus and released flathead survival the survival fish: maximising post-release line caught in line caught for of released Tasmanian 2004/071). Final Report No. FRDC (Project waters. coastal taken in sheltered flathead Australia. Tasmania, Hobart, Institute, and Fisheries Aquaculture 58: 445–453. Research Marine and Freshwater Fisheries SocietyTransactions 138: 692–697. American of the Australia. angler-caught fish in ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Best practices for catch and release catch Best for practices reading Further Fishing Saltwater S. (2009). Looking after C. and McGrath lizards. M., Brand Broadhurst P., Butcher World, C. (2006). Duskies Fishing S. and Brand tough. M., McGrath are Broadhurst P., Butcher M.K. (2008). Mortality S.C. Broadhurst and Cairns damage of angled and physical P.A., Butcher strategy (2006). National W. and Sawynok D. Moltschaniwskyj N.A., Mayer I.W., Brown J.M., Lyle (2007). D. and Mayer I.W. Moltschaniwskyj N.A., Morton J.M., Brown A.J., Lyle of 27 species of rates recapture on removal (2009). Effect of hook W. G.R. and Sawynok Wilde

fuscus Platycephalus Dusky Flathead Main factors that reduced survival Main factors reduced that quality. and poor live-well water Deep hooking bleeding, and associated results Other research Survival in NSW. angling events after conventional two days, four 91–97% over Dusky Flathead: Suitability for catch and release catch Suitability for Excellent. Recreational catch data catch Recreational of the total than 45% released and more in NSW, retained of Dusky570–830 tonnes Flathead in 2000–01. 12 months over Australia throughout caught number of all flatheads Similar species endrachtensis Northern Platycephalus Sand Flathead caeruleopunctatus Platycephalus Flathead Bluespotted richardsoni Platycephalus Flathead Tiger indicus Bartail Platycephalus Flathead Ambiserrula jugosa Mud Flathead Platycephalus bassensis d Platycephalus Southern Sand Flathea

Post-release survival of angled tailor and Post-release within four days after release. days within four and damage. to minimise stress Release fish immediately The stress of fish increased during their confinement in keeper nets, but returned to normal returned but in keeper nets, confinement during their of fish increased stress The luderick. Go Fishing 23, pp. 74–78. 23, pp. luderick. Go Fishing in keeper nets in an tricuspidata) after confinement of angled luderick (Girella physiology ICES Journal of Marine estuary. Science 68: 572–579. Australian ■ ■ ■ ■ Similar species cyanea Blue Drummer Girella elevata Rock Girella Blackfish data catch Recreational number of the total than 33% released more and in NSW, retained of Luderick 270–550 tonnes in 2000–01. 12 months over Australia throughout caught and release catch Suitability for Excellent. Survival in NSW. angling event after one conventional days, four 99% over Main factor caused harm that Luderick. in keeper nets with other confinement and damage caused by Stress result Other research icuspidata tr Girella Luderick Best practice for catch and release and catch Best for practice reading Further M., Hall K. S. (2009). Broadhurst and McGrath P., Butcher Post-release survival and (2011). Post-release M.K., S.J. Broadhurst Hall K.C. and Cooke P.A., Butcher

Scale loss and mortality Gently shake the fish off the hook without touching it using a pair of pliers either in water or water either in touching it using a pair of pliers Gently shake the fish off the hook without the surfacejust above minimise scale loss and air exposure. to to minimise damage. wells holding them in live avoid and Release fish immediately Remove mouth hooks, and cut the line for deep-hooked and cut the line for fish. mouth hooks, Remove Fish lost more scales when they were held with dry, rather than wet hands or not handled at or not handled at hands than wet rather with dry, held when they were scales lost more Fish wells the in live air or confined to of being held; or exposed instead on the ground all; dropped longest. Only 4% of angled Eastern SeaOnly 4% of angled Eastern Garfish deep hooked. were Monthly, August 2008, p. 27. 2008, p. August Monthly, sea garfish eastern in angled-and-released ). ICES Journal of Marine (Hyporhamphus australis Science 67: 522–529. ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Other research results Other research Main factors that reduced survival Main factors reduced that scale loss and extended air exposure. Deep hooking, excessive Survival in NSW. angling event after one conventional one day, 51% over Suitability for catch and release catch Suitability for Fair. Recreational catch data catch Recreational of the released 12% than more and Sea of Eastern Garfish than 10 tonnes Less retained in NSW, in 2000–01. 12 months over number of all garfishesAustralia total throughout caught Similar species GarfishRiver ardelio Hyporhamphus regularis Snubnose Garfish Arrhamphus sclerolepis GarfishLongfin viridis Euleptorhamphus GarfishSlender Hyporhamphus dussumieri Eastern Sea Eastern Garfish Hyporhamphus australis Butcher P.A., Broadhurst M.K., Hall K.C., Cullis B.R. and Nicoll R.G. (2010). and Nicoll M.K., Broadhurst B.R. Hall K.C., Cullis P.A., Butcher Further reading Further M. and Hall K. Broadhurst (2008). Scale garfish loss critical to Fishing survival. NSW P., Butcher Best practices for catch and release and catch Best for practices

Acanthopagrus Acanthopagrus Release method and Fate of three Australian Australian of three Fate Release fish immediately in water without air exposure or handling if possible. or handling exposure air without water in Release fish immediately deep-hooked the line on and cut mouth hooks, fish. Remove mouth hooking. to promote baits hooks with natural or actively fish circle lures Use mm and minimal protective than 0.9 narrower diameters hooks with wire carbon-steel Use maximise degradation. to coating 88–89. and of Fishery Archive hololepidotus. Argyrosomus scale loss and survival mulloway, in juvenile Marine 48: 1–10. Research 78. 2006, p. 78. 2005, p. anatomical hook location: effects on short-term hook location: anatomical mortality of angler-caught ICES hooks. and modified stainless- and carbon-steel after ingesting conventional teleosts Journal of Marine Science 68: 1–9. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 74: 17–26. Organisms Diseases of Aquatic japonicus. and Argyrosomus australis ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Best practices for catch and release catch for Best practices Further reading Further 2007, pp. World, May Fishing fishing! team S. (2007). Tag and McGrath P. M., Butcher Broadhurst cortisol,by hook and line on plasma (2000). Effects of capture M.K. D.T. Broadhurst and Barker February World, Fishing keep jew alive! to (2005). How M. and Reynolds D. Broadhurst P., Butcher August World, Fishing jewies. and release M. (2005). Catch and Broadhurst Reynolds D. P., Butcher C.A. (2007). and Gray Reid D.D. M.K., Broadhurst Reynolds D., P.A., Butcher McGrath S.P., Broadhurst M.K., Butcher P.A. and Cairns S.C. (2011). and Cairns M.K., P.A. Broadhurst Butcher S.P., McGrath

5–30% of deep hooks were shed over 61 days. shed over 5–30% of deep hooks were shed more and were 10 times faster, hooks degraded carbon-steel Ingested nickel-plated hooks. carbon- or stainless-steel than red-lacquer readily, Survival of mouth-hooked fish was 93–100%, but some eventually swallowed unremoved unremoved Survival swallowed was 93–100%, but some eventually of mouth-hooked fish hooks. Most deaths occurred within one day of release. within one day Most occurred deaths the line on deep-hooked survivalto 84%. SurvivalCutting fish increased 27% from was further to air or handled. exposed not were and fish cut in water 90% when lines were to increased ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Other research results Other research Main factors that reduced survival Main factors reduced that Deep hooking and removal. Survival for deep-hooked removed, had their hooks fish that and mouth-hooked days five 27–96% over mouth-hooked fish during for 25 days 100% over aquaria in NSW; experiments during three deep-hooked had their lines for fish that 61 days over and 65% one aquaria in NSW; experiment aquaria regulated based on three are data These cut during one aquaria in NSW. experiment fish. with aquaculture experiments Suitability for catch and release catch Suitability for Good. Recreational catch data catch Recreational number of of the total than 46% released and more in NSW, retained of Mulloway 100–500 tonnes in 2000–01. 12 months over Australia throughout and jewfishes caught teraglins all Mulloway, Similar species aequidens Atractoscion Teraglin Argyrosomus japonicus Argyrosomus Mulloway

Sillago flindersi Sillagniodes punctata Sillago maculata Sillago robusta from salt water. from and 25% shed tanks, into release days after within five feeding Deep-hookedresumed fish their embedded J-hook within 21 days. effects of cutting the line no detrimental study in Queensland showed tagging A long-term on deep-hooked fish. deep-hooked and cut the line for fish. mouth hooks, Remove mouth to promote worms, especially when using baits, or actively fish natural lures Use hooking. 94% of Sand Whiting survived over seven days, after one angling event in NSW that used a in NSW that after one angling event days, seven survivedWhiting over 94% of Sand survival deep hookingreduced were Factors with beach that specific long-shank J-hook. baits. worm than those caught stressed more were during flooding) salinities (e.g. low angled from Fish ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Similar species Eastern School Whiting Whiting Trumpeter Whiting Stout King Whiting George ciliata Sillago Whiting Sand data catch Recreational of the total than 32% released and more in NSW, retained Whiting of Sand 230–460 tonnes in 12 months over Australia King throughout caught George excluding number of all whitings 2000–01. and release catch Suitability for Excellent. Survival in NSW. angling event after one conventional 10 days, 97% over survival Main factors reduced that event. duringNone identified the above results Other research and release catch Best for practices Use short traces and actively fish natural baits to promote mouth hooking. shortto promote Use baits and actively fish natural traces Only 2% of Sand Mullet were deep hooked. Only 2% of Sand Mullet were after release. days four to within three occurred deaths All ). Fisheries Research 107: 272–275. Research (Myxus). Fisheries elongatus: Mugilidae ■ ■ ■

■ ■ ■ Other research results Other research Main factors that reduced survival Main factors reduced that the hook and float. than 50 cm) between (greater and long traces hooks, removed Bleeding from Survival in NSW. angling event after one conventional days, four 96% over Suitability for catch and release catch Suitability for Excellent. Recreational catch data catch Recreational of the total released than 23% and more in NSW, of Sand Mullet than 10 tonnes retained Less in 2000–01. 12 months over Australia throughout number of all mullets caught Sea cephalus Mullet Mugil Mullet Aldrichetta forsteri Yelloweye petardi Mullet) Trachystoma (Freshwater Mullet Pinkeye Goldspot Mullet Liza argentea Similar species Sand Myxus Mullet elongatus Further reading Further mortality of angled sand mullet (2011). Post-release B.R. and Cullis M.K., P.A. Broadhurst Butcher Best practices for catch and release and catch Best for practices

eudocaranx dentex eudocaranx Gnathanodon speciosus Caranx melampygus Caranx Caranx Sexfasciatus Caranx Caranx ignobilis Caranx Release fish immediately and avoid holding them in live wells to minimise stress. wells holding them in live avoid and Release fish immediately it is adequately quality (ensure water time and maintain minimise retention If well, using a live and aeration). water with flow-through sized Only 3% of fish were deep hooked. were Only 3% of fish into after release days four within one to occurred wells Most of individuals held in live deaths cages. monitoring 88–89. estuary. Australian anglers in an (2005). Mortalityrecreational by released of key fish species Journal of Experimental Marine 321: 171–179. Biology and Ecology ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Further reading reading Further February 52–53. 2005, pp. World, Fishing fish. of releasing science M. (2005). The Broadhurst 2007, pp. World, May Fishing fishing! team S. (2007). Tag and McGrath P. M., Butcher Broadhurst and Damiano C. Haddy J.A. D.J., Young M.E.L., Wooden C.A., Reid M.K., D.D., Broadhurst Gray Similar species Trevally Bluefin Trevally Bigeye Trevally Giant Golden Trevally data catch Recreational number of the total than 39% released and more in NSW, retained Trevally of Silver 100–210 tonnes in 2000–01. 12 months over Australia throughout caught of all trevallies and release catch Suitability for Good. Survival after one 10 days, over released, and 98% when immediately wells 63% when held in live in NSW. angling event conventional survival Main factor reduced that wells. in live than 45 minutes) Extended time (of more results Other research Ps Trevally Silver Best practices for catch and release and catch Best for practices Effects of salinity and anatomical hook Effects of salinity and anatomical angler-caught fish in Australia. Transactions of the American Fisheries SocietyTransactions 692–697. 138: American of the Australia. angler-caught fish in location on the mortality and physiological response of angled-and-released sand whiting of angled-and-released the mortality on location response physiological and Biology 74: 220–234. Sillago ciliata. Journal of Fish pp. 80–81. pp. ICES Journal of Marine Science 63: estuary. Australian anglers in an recreational by released 567–571. 95–97. pp. Mortality of key fish species released by recreational anglers in an Australian estuary. estuary. Australian anglers in an (2005). Mortalityrecreational by released of key fish species Journal 321: 171–179. Marine of Experimental and Ecology Biology

Effect of hook removal on recapture rates of 27 species of rates recapture on removal (2009). Effect of hook W. G.R. and Sawynok Wilde The mighty whiting. Fishing World, October 2005, World, Fishing mighty whiting. The C. (2005). M. and Brand Broadhurst P., Butcher (2006). Mortality () of sand whitingSillago ciliata M.K. C.P. Broadhurst and Brand P.A., Butcher 2, survive? whiting M. (2008). Do gut-hooked and Broadhurst Go Fishing P. S., Butcher McGrath M.K. and Broadhurst (2009). P.A. Butcher S.P., McGrath Further reading (Sand Whiting cont…) Whiting (Sand reading Further February 52–53. pp. 2005, World, Fishing fish. of releasing science The M. (2005). Broadhurst C. Damiano and Haddy J.A. D.J., Young M.E.L., Wooden C.A., Reid D.D., M.K.,Broadhurst Gray

Resilience of inshore, of inshore, Resilience Fate of three Australian Australian of three Fate Barotrauma in snapper. Go Fishing 31, pp. 31, pp. Go Fishing in snapper. Barotrauma Choose appropriate hook sizes to minimise catches of undersize fish. of undersize minimise catches to hook sizes Choose appropriate to minimise stress. wells holding them in live avoid and Release fish immediately everted stomach out of the mouth anus, red a swollen by indicated (as with barotrauma Fish left deeper than 10 m, should be untreated water from abdomen), usually caught or bloated a depth with to they should be returned Alternatively if possible. released and immediately experienced an by on the surface,vented floating and only if they remain weight release In another study in Western Australia, survival decreased from 97% at depths of 5, 15 and 30 m 30 15 and of 5, depths survival at 97% from Australia, decreased Western In in study another after release. days four to one m over 45 and 65 31% at to on the line of cutting effects no detrimental in Queensland study showed tagging A long-term deep-hooked fish. deep-hookedand cut the line for fish. hooks, mouth Remove mouth hooking. to promote baits hooks with natural or actively fish circle lures Use present. the surface are to if they return or predators operator 75–78. 127–128: Research Fisheries methods. ) and the utility of release auratus angled snapper (Pagrus 49–55. Victoria, Primary anglers. Industries Research recreational by and released caught black bream Victoria, Australia. Queenscliffe, Management and Fisheries south-eastern Australia. Bay, Phillip , in Port auratus Pagrus snapper, 17: 1–9. Ecology Fisheries Australian Western Division, Fisheries Research fish. reef coast west undersize released Australia. WA, Northand Marine Laboratories, Beach, Research 74–78. 23, pp. survival. Go Fishing ICES hooks. and modified stainless- and carbon-steel after ingesting conventional teleosts Journal of Marine Science 68: 1–9. Series 93: 9–15. Marine Progress Ecology auratus. Journal of Marine and Freshwater Australian auratus. Pagrus in the snapper, concentrations 43: 345–356. Research to angling and release. Journal of Fish Biology 80: 638–650. Journal of Fish angling and release. to auratus Pagrus snapper juvenile estuary. Australian anglers in an (2005). Mortalityrecreational by released of key fish species Journal 171–179. of Experimental Marine 321: Biology and Ecology ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Assessing barotrauma among barotrauma (2012). Assessing M.K., Broadhurst B.R. Hall K.C. and Cullis P.A., Butcher of mortality and Morison A. (2004). Assessment snapper and of under-size Gritxi S., D. Conron caught survival of recreationally and Morison A. (2010). Post-release S.D. Conron Grixti D., (2009). Maximising the survival of I. and Gaughan D. Keay John J., St B., Wise R., Lenanton their post-release snapper: increasing (2009). Juvenile P. M. and Butcher S., Broadhurst McGrath S.C. (2011). and Cairns M.K., P.A. Broadhurst Butcher S.P., McGrath snapper Pagrus of undersized the catches on (1993). Effects of hook size J.R. Otway N.M. and Craig cortisol on plasma confinement and (1992). Effects of capture D.F. and Sharples N.W. Pankhurst Best practices for catch and release catch for Best practices reading Further February 52–53. 2005, pp. World, Fishing fish. of releasing science M. (2005). The Broadhurst (2012). S.P. and McGrath B.R. Hall K.C., Cullis M.K., P.A., Broadhurst Butcher and Damiano C. Haddy J.A. D.J., Young M.E.L., Wooden C.A., Reid M.K., D.D., Broadhurst Gray K. M., Hall C. (2010). Broadhurst and Brand P., Butcher

Juvenile Snapper Juvenile Adult Snapper Adult In NSW, fish caught from water deeper than 10 m often had barotrauma, and the symptoms and the symptoms deeper than 10 m often had barotrauma, water from fish caught In NSW, 20 m had from retrieved 120 m. Fish to down from similar among individuals caught remained after release. days three but all survived barotrauma, over Nickel-plated carbon-steel hooks modified with small notches degraded faster and were shed were and faster degraded with small notches hooks modified Nickel-plated carbon-steel carbon steel. red-lacquer stainless or or those made from designs, than unmodified readily more afterminutes. 30 became stressed for 60 minutes wells fish held in live Angled Bleeding and damage to the throat and gills were more evident after deep hooks were after evident deep hooks were more were and gills the throat Bleeding and damage to cut. than when lines were removed 61 days. to three shed over 13–77% of deep hooks were 48–97% survival over three days, after five angling events in Victoria used specific hooks that in angling events after five days, 48–97% survival three over and baits. the line on deep-hooked survivalto 44–45%. Cutting fish increased 0–42% from ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Other research results Other research Main factors that reduced survival Main factors reduced that damage and bleeding. and associated Deep hooking and removal, Survival in NSW. angling events after conventional two less than 10 days, 67–92% over Suitability for catch and release catch Suitability for Good. Recreational catch data catch Recreational number of the total than 66% released and more in NSW, retained of Snapper 180–250 tonnes in 2000–01. 12 months over Australia throughout caught Similar species butcheri Acanthopagrus Black Bream australis Acanthopagrus Bream Yellowfin Rhabdosargus sarba Tarwhine Pagrus auratus per Pagrus Snap

Research results for individual species individual for results Research NSW R NSW ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Release and Catch Fishing ecreational 36 Research results for individual species NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 39 Post-release survival of angled tailor and Post-release Catch-and-release angling mortalityCatch-and-release of south- in Western Australia and the impact on yield per recruit. Fisheries Fisheries the impact and per recruit. on yield Australia Western ) in saltatrix (Pomatomus 58: 241–248. Research . African Journal saltatrix. African of Marine Science 34: 289–295. Pomatomus Australian eastern 74–78. pp. 23, luderick. Go Fishing mortalityrelease bluefish. North of Fisheries 28: 533–546. Management American Journal of Marine and mortality. and growth exploitation, their movement, waters: Australian Western 633–642. 50: Research Freshwater Fisheries SocietyTransactions692–697. 138: American of the Australia. angler-caught fish in Ayvazian S.G., Wise B.S. and Young G.C. (2002). Short-term (2002). G.C. hooking mortality of tailor Young and B.S. Wise S.G., Ayvazian (2012). B.R. Cullis and M.K., P.A. Broadhurst Butcher Butcher P., Broadhurst M., Hall K. S. (2009). Broadhurst and McGrath P., Butcher and affecting catch (2008). Factors G.R. and Rosendale J.E. Shepherd Scharf M.C., F.S., Fabrizio ) in saltatrix study on tailor (Pomatomus S. (1999). A tagging and Ayvazian, B. Wise, G., Young, of 27 species of rates recapture on removal Effect of hook (2009). W. G.R. and Sawynok Wilde

Remove mouth hooks, and cut the line for deep-hooked and cut the line for fish. mouth hooks, Remove mouth hooking. to promote baits hooks with natural or actively fish circle lures Use to minimise stress. wells holding them in live avoid and Release fish immediately deep-hooked Tailor. In NSW, fish held in live wells had increased stress levels. stress wells had increased fish held in live In NSW, bleeding. Inwere the USA, survival (and older) fish that less among larger was effects of cutting the line on no detrimental study in Queensland showed tagging A long-term Compared with treble hooks, single and ganged hooks caused more gill and jaw damage, damage, and jaw gill single and ganged hooks caused more hooks, with treble Compared respectively. 97% survival over two hours, during one angling event in Western Australia that used specific that Australia Western in during one angling event 97% survival hours, two over angled from were in the USA in which fish during one event 21 days, hook types; and 61% over terminal using specific rigs and procedures. deep water and lost scales. angled fish had damaged mouths and fins, Many ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Other research results Other research Main factors that reduced survival Main factors reduced that damage and bleeding. and associated Deep hooking and removal, Survival in NSW. angling event after one conventional 10 days, 92% over Suitability for catch and release catch Suitability for Good. Recreational catch data catch Recreational caught number of the total than 38% released and more NSW, in retained Tailor of 150–300 tonnes in 2000–01. 12 months over Australia throughout Similar species None. s saltatrix Pomatomu Tailor Further reading Further Best practices for catch and release catch Best for practices

Use a landing net to remove fish from the water, but then immediately restrain them restrain but then immediately water, the fish from remove a landing net to Use minimise further hands to or gloved (especially deep-hooked towel individuals) with a wet hook damage and bleeding. Use strong fishing line to minimise retrieval time. to minimise fishing line strong Use mouth hooking. to promote baits hooks with large or actively fish circle lures Use Of 10 gill-hooked fish that had their lines cut and were released with transmitting tags, two two tags, with transmitting released were Of had their lines cut and fish that 10 gill-hooked 49 days. up to detected for were eight while the remaining of release, dead within 10 minutes were Angled fish resumed feeding within one day after release into monitoring cages. monitoring into release after feeding within one day resumed fish Angled angled fish lost scales or had damaged fins handling. after Few Cutting the line on deep-hooked survivalto 66%. Cutting fish increased 33% from ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Yellowtail Kingfish Seri Kingfish ola lalandi Yellowtail Best practices for catch and release and catch Best for practices Other research results Other research Main factors that reduced survival Main factors reduced that when held in landing net worse Deep hooking and bleeding; which were damage and associated restrained. than securely rather Survival in NSW. angling event afterone conventional days, seven 85% over Suitability for catch and release catch Suitability for Good. Recreational catch data catch Recreational total released of the than 55% and more Kingfish in NSW, retained Yellowtail of 120–340 tonnes over 12 Australia Kingfish, throughout and amberjacks caught Samsonfish Yellowtail number of all in 2000–01. months Similar species SeriolaAmberjack dumerili Samsonfish Seriola hippos AmberjackHighfin Seriola rivoliana

Research results for individual species individual for results Research NSW R NSW ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Release and Catch Fishing ecreational 40 42 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Research results for individual species Other researchOther results warm temperatures, summer. during withgreater mortality withnatural typically baits, smallfishsizes hooking (oflessthan25cm Deep total length)and that reduced factors Main survival 94–100% over two to five days, three after conventional anglingevents inNSW. Survival Excellent. forSuitability catch andrelease 2000–01. Perch,species, includingEstuary Silver Perch, Perch Macquarie and Trout Cod, for 12months in Australia. Estimates are for Australian Basscombined withmany otherfreshwater perch andcod 47 tonnes retained inNSW, andmore than76%released ofthetotal numbercaught throughout Recreational catch data PerchEstuary Percolates colonorum Similar species Australian Percola Bass tes novemaculeata ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ potential ofsomefemales. inthespawningAngling early gonadaldevelopment season during affected the reproductive untreated caused Injuries by incorrect venting fishsurvived. to 87%. reduced survival Fish caught from water hadbarotrauma, deeperthan10moften butallimmediately released poor water quality. Fish weighed tournaments haddamagedfinsor induring often were heldinlive wells with one month. fish wereDeep-hooked unable to feed properly orshedhooks, and31%eventually died over deep-hooked Australiandeep-hooked Bass. A long-term tagging showed studyinQueensland nodetrimentaleffects ofcuttingthelineon femalesRipe withbarotrauma hadcompressed ovaries and expelled eggsfrom theirvents (anus).

Hall K.C., Butcher P.A.Hall K.C., (2009). andBroadhurst M.K. Butcher Broadhurst P.A. M.K., Hall K.C., andRowland S.J. (2009). J. Roach andBroadhurstHall K., M.(2010).Treating barotrauma inAustralian bass. Barra Bass& Broadhurst M.,ButcherHall K., P. andRowland S.(2010). Broadhurst M.,ButcherHall K., P., Brand C.andMcGrath S.(2008). Broadhurst M.,ButcherHall K., P. andBrand C.(2010). (2010).ImmediatefateDowling andBroadhurst ofangled-and-released C.E., M.K. HallK.C. ofreleased Australian thesurvival (2009).Maximising Dowling andBroadhurst C.E., M.K. HallK.C. Butcher P., Broadhurst M.,McGrath S.andBrand C.(2007). The fate ofbass. Fishing World, June Further reading Best practicesBest for catch andrelease ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Wilde G.R.andSawynok W. (2009).Effectofhook removal on recapture rates of27species J.P.,Roach (2011).Effectsofbarotrauma andBroadhurst M.K. andmitigation HallK.C. methods ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ novemaculeata ofFish. Journal Biology75:2737–2755. release mortality, gonadaldevelopment and somatic condition ofAustralian bass Bream Digest29,pp. 86–87. angling andrelease onspawning Australian bass. Fishing Go 28,pp. 86–87. catch andrelease angling. Freshwater Fishing Australia 90,pp. 59–61. Monthly, August 2010,p. 65. Australian bassMacquaria novemaculeata. Hydrobiologia 64:145–157. bass. Barra Bass& Bream Digest27,pp. 60–61. 2007, pp. 106–108. angler-caught fishin angler-caught Australia. ofthe American 138:692–697. Transactions Society Fisheries on released Australian bassMacquaria novemaculeata ofFish. Journal Biology79:1130–1145. 16: 235–247. Macquaria novemaculeata catch-and-release, after angling. Fisheries andEcology Management Fish withbarotrauma (asindicated by aswollen red anus, outofthemouth stomach everted Avoid targeting theirspawning riverineSeptember. fishduring seasonbetween Juneand Fish whentemperatures are cool andavoid insummer. hotafternoons Choose appropriate hooksizes to minimisecatches ofundersize fish. Use lures fishnatural oractively baits to promote mouthhooking. Remove mouthhooks, fish. andcuttheline for deep-hooked operator orpredators iftheyreturn to are thesurface present. release weight iftheyremain andonly floatingvented onthesurface, by an experienced and immediately released ifpossible. Alternatively theyshouldbereturned to depthwitha or bloated abdomen),usuallycaught from water untreated deeperthan10m,shouldbeleft Short-term mortality ofAustralian bass, mortality Short-term Caught ataggedbass?NSWFishing Runningthegauntlet: theeffectsof Effects ofanglingonpost- Survival offreshwaterSurvival fishafter Macquaria

43 ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Handbook Release and Catch Fishing ecreational R NSW Research results for individual species individual for results Research 44 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Research results for individual species Broadhurst M., Hall K., BrandBroadhurst C.and Cullis M.,HallK., B. (2012). Cool for cats. Freshwater Fishing Australia Further reading practicesBest for catch andrelease Freshwater Catfish Tanda nus tandanus Other researchOther result hooking. Deep that potentially factor Main reduced survival 97% over three days, oneconventional after anglingevent inNSW. Survival Excellent. forSuitability catch andrelease Australia. Estimates are for andfreshwater allmarine catfishes combined for 12months in2000–01. 94 tonnes retained inNSW, andmore than75%released ofthetotal numbercaught throughout Recreational catch data Hyrtl’s Catfish Neosilurushyrtlii Striped Catfish Plotosus lineatus Blue Catfish (Fork-tailed Catfish) graeffei Arius Cobbler macrocephalus Cnidoglanis Estuary Similar species ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ 116, pp. 88–89. Restrain fishwitha wet towel orgloved hands to avoid stingsandminimise rough handling. Actively fish natural baits to promote mouthhooking. Remove mouthhooks, fish. andcutthelinefor deep-hooked fishcaught onnaturalMost fishedlines baitswithactively were mouthhooked.

45 ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Handbook Release and Catch Fishing ecreational R NSW Research results for individual species individual for results Research 46 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Research results for individual species Other researchOther results capture (summerafternoons, withwarmtemperatures). withnatural baits, hooking largeDeep fishsizes (greater than40cm total length)andtimeof that reduced factors Main survival 57–100% over four days, four after conventional anglingevents inNSW. Survival Good. forSuitability catch andrelease caught throughout Australia. Estimates are for 12months in2000–01. 325 tonnes Perch ofGolden retained inNSW, andmore than44%released ofthetotal number Recreational catch data Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanus Similar species Perch Golden Macquaria ambigua ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ potential ofsomefemales. lateAngling during gonadaldevelopment (ready to spawn) affected the reproductive bladder alsoreduced survival. fromindividuals. venting, incorrect Injuries bulging eyes into orhaemorrhaging theswim 15 minutes) hadmore severe thanimmediately symptoms released andpoorer survival Fish withbarotrauma (caught from water deeperthan10m)that were heldinalive well (for fish (up to 50%). events,Compared usingnatural baitsincreased withlure-only thepercentage ofdeep-hooked deep-hooked fish. deep-hooked A long-term tagging showed studyinQueensland nodetrimentaleffects ofcuttingthelineon femalesRipe withbarotrauma hadcompressed ovaries. andhaemorrhaged

Hall K.C., Broadhurst M.K. andButcher Broadhurst P.A. M.K. Hall K.C., (2013). andButcher Broadhurst P.A. M.K. Hall K.C., (2012). Broadhurst M.,ButcherHall K., P., Brand C.andMcGrath S.(2008). Broadhurst M.,ButcherHall K., P., Brand C.andMcGrath S.(2008). Hall K., Broadhurst M.,ButcherHall K., P. andBrand C.(2010). Broadhurst M.andBrandHall K., C.(2010).Tight linesmay save lives. Freshwater Fishing Australia Further reading Best practicesBest for catch andrelease ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Wilde G.R.andSawynok W. (2009).Effectofhook removal on recapture rates of27species ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Ecology 19:10–21. Macquaria ambigua andMurray cod Maccullochella. Fisheries peelii peelii and Management catch andrelease angling. Freshwater Fishing Australia 90,pp. 59–61. winter. NSWFishing Monthly, September2008,pp. 56–57. Monthly, August 2010,p. 65. 108, pp. 44–45. angler-caught fishin angler-caught Australia. ofthe American 138:692–697. Transactions Society Fisheries ofFishJournal Diseases, inpress. Macquaria andhealth. ambigua (Richardson),andassociated effects on post-release mortality Release fishimmediatelyRelease and avoid holdingtheminlive wells to reduce stress. their spawning season(October to January). Avoid targeting riverine fish,andimpoundedfish from water deeperthan10mdepth,during Fish whentemperatures are cool (avoid insummer). hotafternoons Use lures fishnatural oractively baits to promote mouthhooking. Remove mouthhooks, fish. andcuttheline for all deep-hooked operator orpredators iftheyreturn to are thesurface present. release weight iftheyremain andonly floatingvented onthesurface, by an experienced and immediately released ifpossible. Alternatively theyshouldbereturned to depthwitha or bloated abdomen),usuallycaught from water untreated deeperthan10m,shouldbeleft Fish withbarotrauma (asindicated by aswollen red anus, outofthemouth stomach everted Clinicalsigns ofbarotrauma ingoldenperch, Post-release ofangledgoldenperch mortality Caught ataggedbass?NSWFishing Survival offreshwaterSurvival fishafter in perchGolden survival

47 ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Handbook Release and Catch Fishing ecreational R NSW Research results for individual species individual for results Research 48 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Research results for individual species Best practicesBest for catch andrelease Other researchOther result Restraint withbare hands. that reduced factor Main survival eventimmediate-release in Victoria. 80–85% over four days, two delayed-release after events inNSW; and98%over five days, one after Survival Good. forSuitability catch andrelease throughout Australia. Estimates are for 12months in 2000–01. 94 tonnes ofMurray Cod retained inNSW, andmore than78%released ofthetotal numbercaught Recreational catch data Trout Cod Maccullochella macquariensis Clarence River Cod Maccullochella ikei Similar species Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ aeration. onboard, fishareIf transported use anadequately sized live well withflow-through water and To prevent from spinaldamage, theirjaws, donotholdfish vertically gills oreyes. aid hookremoval. Securely restrain fishwithjaw grips, a wet towel orgloved hands, anduselong-nosepliers to a smooth-sidedslingorcradle. fishareIf brought onboard, ideallyin keepthemhorizontal at alltimeswithfullbodysupport, fishimmediatelyRelease in water withoutair exposure orhandlingifpossible. Remove mouthhooks, fish. andcutthelinefor deep-hooked tournament weigh-in. was improvedSurvival by holdingfish inaerated tanks recovery for 30 to 60minutes after hand and gently ‘swim’ motion. fishin aside-to-side side oftheboat, ideallyinaslingorcradle. Holdfish upright, closethe gill covers with your Revive any fishwithlocked, flared gill covers inanaerated live tank, recovery wellor over the

Hall K.C., Broadhurst M.K. andButcher Broadhurst P.A. M.K. Hall K.C., (2012). Broadhurst M.,ButcherHall K., P., Brand C.andMcGrath S.(2008). Broadhurst M.andBrandHall K., C.(2010).Tight linesmay save lives. Freshwater Fishing Australia A.andGraceGould B.S.to barramundiLates calcarifer (2009).Injuries resulting from lip-gripping Douglas J., Brown P., Hunt T., M.andAllen Rogers M.(2010).Evaluating relative of impacts Further reading catch andrelease angling. Freshwater Fishing Australia 90,pp. 59–61. 108, pp. 44–45. devices inthelaboratory.ofFisheries Journal American 29:1418–1424. Management North Fisheries Research 106:18–21. Murray on cod (Maccullochella). recreational peelii peelii anddiscard mortality fishingharvest Ecology 19:10–21. Macquaria ambigua andMurray cod Maccullochella Fisheries peelii. peelii and Management Post-release ofangledgoldenperch mortality Survival offreshwaterSurvival fishafter

49 ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Handbook Release and Catch Fishing ecreational R NSW Research results for individual species individual for results Research 50 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Research results for individual species Other researchOther results andremoval. hooking Deep that reduced factors Main survival with aquaculture fishinNSW. mouth-hooked fishmonitored for 36hours. Data aretwo basedon regulated experiments aquaria Less fishcaught than30%for with natural baitsandhooks deep-hooked removed, and100% for Survival Good. forSuitability catch andrelease including Australian Perch, Bass, Estuary Perch Macquarie and Trout Cod, for 12months in2000–01. Australia. Estimates are for Silver Perch combined withvariousfreshwater perches andcods, 47 tonnes retained inNSW, andmore than75%released ofthetotal numbercaught throughout Recreational catch data Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasica PerchGolden Macquaria ambigua Similar species Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanus ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Deep hooking was lessfrequent hooking withcircleDeep (20%) thanJ-hooks(48%). 36hours. fishshedtheirhooksafter No deep-hooked to seven 92%and97%after days. Increased airexposure from oneminute to three orfive minutes from 100% reduced survival Cutting fishfrom thelineimproved lessthan30% ofdeep-hooked to more than thesurvival deep-hooked fish. deep-hooked A long-term tagging showed studyinQueensland nodetrimentaleffects ofcuttingthelineon

82%.

Wilde G.R.andSawynok W. (2009).Effectofhook removal on recapture rates of27species Van der Walt B., Faragher ofreleased silver perch mortality M.B. R.A.andLowry (2005).Hooking Further reading Best practicesBest for catch andrelease ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ angler-caught fishin angler-caught Australia. ofthe American 138:692–697. Transactions Society Fisheries Fisheries Science18:205–216. (Bidyanus bidyanus capture) after by hook-and-lineSouth fishinginNew Wales, Australia. Asian Release fishimmediatelyRelease in water to minimiseair exposure. Use lures fishcircle oractively hookswithnatural baits to promote mouthhooking. Remove mouthhooks, fish. andcuttheline for deep-hooked

51 ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Handbook Release and Catch Fishing ecreational R NSW Research results for individual species individual for results Research 52 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Research results for individual species Best practicesBest for catch andrelease Other researchOther results removalLimb lossduring from traps, rough handlingtocrabs andbleedingwounds. soft-shelled that harm caused factors Main in NSW. 99% over three days, oneexperiment usingfour after common traps deployed for three soaktimes Survival Excellent. forSuitability catch andrelease number caught throughout Australia over 12months in2000–01. 150–310 tonnes ofBlueSwimmer Crab retained inNSW, andmore than41%released ofthetotal Recreational catch data CrabSand australiensis Ovalipes Similar species BlueSwimmer Crab Por ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Hoop netswere for damaged ifleft more often thanthree hours, andespeciallyfor 24hours. Crabs were easierto remove from wire andnetted traps thanfrom hoopnets. Only 5%ofcrabs were capture damagedduring andhandling. traps.than hoopnetsandrigid-wire rectangular andcollapsible-netted round trapsCollapsible-netted caught more crabs that were legalandundersize andbycatch, Hoop nets were easily damagedand lostmeshes, pollution. causingmarine had sealedwounds deliberately after dropping theirlimbs. Crabs with bleedingwounds were more stressed thanthose that were eithernotwounded, or tunus pelagicus

Uhlmann S.S., Broadhurst M.K., PatersonUhlmann S.S.,Broadhurst M.K., B.D., Mayer D.G., Butcher P. and Brand C.P. (2009). R.B. Millar Broadhurst andBrand MK., C.P. from dusky discard (2009).Mitigating mortality Further reading ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ and discarding from gillnets. Science66:455–461. ofMarine ICESJournal andbloodlossby simulated blueswimmercrabs)after pelagicus (Portunus capture Mortality flathead Platycephalus fuscusgillnets. DiseasesofAquatic Organisms 85:157–166. easily damaged. notputanyDo pressure (e.g. withyour foot) crabs becausetheycanbe ontheshellofsoft shelled. patientBe andcarefully remove crabs, especiallythosethat have limbsentangled orare soft Use large netted (75mmorlarger) orwire (50x50mm)meshintraps to minimisebycatch. hoopnetsforSet lessthanthree hoursto limitdamageto crabs.

53 ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Handbook Release and Catch Fishing ecreational R NSW Research results for individual species individual for results Research 54 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Research results for individual species Predation whiledivingfor byintraps hand collection andlimblossduring octopus bothspecies. that harm caused factors Main individuals over 90dayshand-collected oneexperiment inNSW. after oftrapped intraps and and100%post-release survival 97%survival Eastern Rocklobster: Survival Excellent. forSuitability catch andrelease total lobsters number ofallmarine caught throughout Australia over 12months in2000–01. Less retained than30tonnes inNSW, ofEastern Rocklobster andmore than49% released ofthe Recreational catch data Tropical Panulirus Rocklobsters spp. Similar species Jasusedwardsiirn Rocklobster Southe verreauxi Easternlobster Rock Sagmariasus Brock D.J., Saunders T.M., Ward T.M. andLinnaneA.J. (2006). Further reading practicesBest for catch andrelease Other researchOther results ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Powrie W. and Tempero G.W. (2009).Comparison to ofinjuries New Zealand rock lobsters ( Jasus Linnane A.,Penny S.,Hoare M.andHawthorne P. (2011).Assessing theeffectiveness ofsize limits Leland J.C., Butcher P.A., Paterson Broadhurst M.K., B.D. andMayer D.G. (2012). Leland J., Butcher P. andBroadhurst M.(2011). Harrington J.J., J.M., Semmens Gardner C.andFrusher S.D. (2006).Predation oftrap-caught ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ edwardsii) causedby hand versus snare NewZealand collection. ofZoology Journal 36:83–87. Fisheries Research 111:1–7. and escapegapsasmanagement tools inacommercial rock lobster (Jasusedwardsii ) fishery. Fisheriestrapping andhandcollection. Research 137: 63–70. physiological stress to juvenile eastern rock verreauxi lobster (Sagmariasus ) discarded after 75–78. 10–16. maorum (Hutton, 1880): spatialoctopus, andtemporal Octopus trends. Fisheries Research 77: rocksouthern lobsters, Jasusedwardsii (Hutton, 1875), in Tasmanian waters by theMaori Research 77:348–355. trap inreducing within-trap predation spiny byonsouthern octopus rock lobster. Fisheries Many hand-collected Eastern and Southern Rocklobsters were shelled, Rocklobsters andmore soft Eastern andSouthern Many hand-collected day. wereAll Eastern Rocklobster stressed immediately capture, after butmostrecovered one after were smallerandlighter thanundamagedindividuals. regenerated Eastern Rocklobster Most moult, any but theirnext missingappendagesduring few trapped individuals. Damage occurred to approximately Eastern Rocklobster, 50%ofhand-collected butonlya location to reduce predation. traps nolongerthanovernightSet individualsat theircapture andrelease hand-collected undersized lobsters orfish. Use escapegapsorlarge meshsizes, of50x75mm,intraps to minimisethecapture of lobstersHandle soft-shelled carefully by thebodybecausetheycanbeeasilydamaged. Avoid handlingundersized individuals. andfish bycatch Rocklobster Southern by more than60%and50%, respectively. escapegapsof58x280mmincommercial trapsMandatory reduced catches ofundersized byreduced upto predation 48%. Rocklobster theoctopus ofSouthern Australia, South In compared to traps, conventional thosewithtwo chambers one-chambered trapping. during preyedOctopus Rocklobster onEastern andSouthern steel hand-heldtubewithaloopofwire inNewZealand. lostmore limbsthanthosethat were Rocklobster Southern snaredHand-collected witha susceptible to being damagedthanthosewithhard bodies. Patience makesadifference.Go Fishing 32,pp. Effectiveness of a two-chambered Effectivenesstwo-chambered ofa Damageand

55 ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Handbook Release and Catch Fishing ecreational R NSW Research results for individual species individual for results Research 56 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Research results for individual species Other researchOther results Limb losscausedby netted traps, andhoopnets. that harm caused factors Main times inNSW. 100% over three days, oneexperiment usingfour after common gears deployed for three soak Survival Excellent. forSuitability catch andrelease mud crabs caught throughout Australia over 12months in2000–01. 30–60 tonnes ofmudcrab retained inNSW, andmore than68%released ofthetotal numberofall Recreational catch data None inNSW. Similar species serrataGiant MudCrab Scylla ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ wire or collapsible-netted rectangular traps. rectangular wire orcollapsible-netted round trapsCollapsible-netted caught more fishandundersize crabs thanhoop nets,rigid- that were tangledinhoopnetsandnetted traps. Crabs lostmore limbswhentheywere forcibly, rather thangently, removed, especially those netted traps. rectangular All trapped crabs lostlimbs, butthisoccurred more frequently inhoopnetsandcollapsible- traps. rectangular collapsible-netted Collapsible netted round traps caught more crabs thanhoopnetsandrigid-wire and Hoop netswere easily damagedand lostmeshes, pollution. causingmarine totally 24hours. unusableafter Hoop netswere unchecked for damagedifleft more often thanthree hoursandmany were

Rotherham D.,Rotherham JohnsonD.D., Macbeth W.G., and. Gray C.A.(2012).Escapegapsasa Poole S.,Mayze J., Exley P. andPaulo revenue C.(2008).Maximising withintheNTmudcrab Leland J., Butcher P. andBroadhurst M.(2011).Patience makesadifference.Go Fishing 32,pp. 75–78. Butcher P.A., Leland J.C., Paterson Broadhurst M.K., B.D. andMayer D.G. (2012). Further reading Best practicesBest for catch andrelease ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ North American Journal ofFisheries Journal American serrata). 33:307–317. Management North management strategy for reducing bycatch innet-covered traps for giant mudcrab (Scylla Australia. andFisheries, Industries ofPrimary Hamilton, Queensland, Department 2003/240). Queensland ofmudcrabs. (Project FRDC survival No.by enhancingpost-harvest Report Final fishery Science,of Marine 69:1511–1522. serrata): relative(Scylla efficienciesof todiscards. commonbait traps andimpacts ICESJournal near theground orover water ifcrabs are undersize to minimisedamage. Untangle crabs from hoopnetsorshakethemoutoftraps from alow height. Holdthetrap shelled. patientBe andcarefully remove crabs, especiallythosethat have entangled limbsorare soft minimise catch ofundersized crabs andbycatch. Use large netted (75mmorlarger) orwire (50x75mm)meshandescapegapsintraps to hoopnetsforSet lessthanthree hoursto minimisetheirpollutionandalsodamageto crabs. Release unwantedRelease crabs immediately capture after to reduce stress. Giant mudcrab

57 ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Handbook Release and Catch Fishing ecreational R NSW Research results for individual species individual for results Research 58 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Threatened and protected species Odontaspis feroxOdontaspis Pristis zijsron Sandtiger Shark (Herbst’sSandtiger Gre Paraplesiops bleekeri Eastern BlueDevil Chaetodontoplus ballinae AngelfishBallina Saltwater fish methods. imperative that you doyour utmostto release themingoodhealthby following thebestpractice abundances, few have beenstudiedfor theeffectsofcatch butitis and release ontheirsurvival, All threatened andprotected speciesmustbereleased immediately. oftheirlow Because THREATENED OR PROTECTED SPECIES Epinephelus coioides Cod)cod Rock Goldspotted (Estuary en Sawfish Nurse Shark) Epinephelus daemelii Black Roc Anampses elegans Anampses Elegant Wr kcod asse BlackRockcod of Colour variations Carcharias taurus Greynurse Shark Sphyrna lewini Hammerhead Scalloped Sphyrna mokarran Great Hammerhead Female Male Epinephelus lanceolatus Queensla Girella cyanea Also refer to Luderick (p. 29). Blue Dru mmer nd Groper Juvenile Adult Thunnus maccoyii Southern Bluefin Southern Protected inallrivers. Carcharodon carcharias Saltwater fish—withphotos listed ofthespecies Also refer to pp. 50 Bidyanus bidyanus Silver Perch Macquaria australasica Macquarie Perch Prototroctes maraena Australian Grayling Freshwater species White Sh (pp. 42–43). (pp. 46–47)andAustralian Bass Also refer to Perch Golden ark –51. Tuna Maccullochell ikei Clarence R 1 Juneto 31August. allowed openseason: during Limited recreational fishing Euastacus armatus Murray Crayfish (pp. 48–49). Also refer to Murray Cod Maccullochella macquariensis Trout Cod iver Cod spp.Orectolobus Wobbegongs and seamoths seadragons rses,pipeho pipefish, All seahorses, Syngnathiformes.

Tandanus tandanus Freshwat . adspers Mogurnda Gudgeon agassizii andPurple Spotted Olive Perchlet Ambassis Perch Nannoperca australis, fluviatilis, Pygmy Southern Hardyhead Craterocephalus Nannoperca oxleyana, Murray Pygmyinclude: Oxylean Perch bait. These threatened species fishing, except whentargeting encounter normal themduring in NSW, butyou are unlikelyto fish are alsolisted asthreatened Several smallnative freshwater dams. in allwestern rivers andsome Also refer to p. 45.Protected Gadopsis marmoratusGadopsis River Blackfish er Catfish

59 Threatened and protected species protected and Threatened ecreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook —2013 Handbook Release and Catch Fishing ecreational R NSW 60 NSW Recreational Fishing Catch and Release Handbook—2013 Acknowledgements Trevor Baillie. Shane McGrath, Steve ShaneRaidal, Kennelly, Steven Rowland, Cooke, Cairns, and Stuart Stuart Porter, Ellis, Megan Michael Wooden, Otway, Nick McTavish, Owen Nicoll, RussellMillar, Robert Reid, JesseLeland, Leo Cameron, LachlanRoberts, JustinRoach, Les Rava,Margret Rolfe, Mark Brand, Damiano, Cristiana Damien Young, Darren Reynolds, David Barker, David Meyer, Dennis Cullis,Brian Paterson, Brian Bryan Van der Walt, Gray, Charles Dowling, Chris Misfud, Charles Craig postgraduate students andotherresearchers, Orchard, includingAnne Leak,Bev Brett Louden, 03/12 and05/02);theinvaluable contribution ofmany anglers, tournament organisers, Trusts andNSWDPI;ethicsapproval from theNSWDPIAnimal Care andEthics Committee (REF from theNSWRecreationalThe authorswould Fishing fundingandsupport liketo acknowledge ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS