State regulations pages cover species-specific release requirements.
Fishing Regulations & Conservation
How do I properly release a fish for survival?
Minimize fight time, keep the fish in water as much as possible, support it horizontally (don't hold by the jaw vertically — damages internal organs), use barbless hooks or pliers to remove hooks quickly, and release the fish in calm water where it can recover. If the fish is exhausted, hold it upright facing into current until it swims away on its own.
More from Fishing Regulations & Conservation
- What is a slot limit and why do states use them?
- What is catch and release and does it work?
- What is a bag limit and how does it affect fish populations?
- Are there size limits on redfish?
- What states have striped bass slot limits?
- What is overfished and what does it mean for my fishing?
- How do I report a fish kill?
- What is the difference between recreational and commercial fishing limits?
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