Coarse Fish Care

Coarse fish care and protection are integral components of ethical angling practices, ensuring the well-being of freshwater species and contributing to the sustainability of fisheries. Anglers engaging in coarse fishing prioritise measures to minimise stress, injury, and environmental impact during their fishing activities. Handling fish with care is a fundamental practice. Using wet hands or gloves helps protect the fish's delicate mucous membrane, reducing the risk of infections. Barbless hooks facilitate easier and gentler hook removal, minimising potential harm. Unhooking mats are essential to provide a soft and protective surface during the unhooking process, particularly for larger specimens. Efficient and careful weighing procedures, such as utilising weigh slings, are crucial to preventing unnecessary stress on the fish. Rapid and gentle release techniques, ensuring the fish spends minimal time out of the water, contribute significantly to their overall well-being. Anglers also adhere to catch and release guidelines, understanding the importance of returning fish to the water promptly. Responsible fish care extends to the use of suitable tackle to handle the targeted species, avoiding overplaying the fish and using appropriate landing nets to minimise stress during the landing process. Moreover, conservation-minded anglers engage in habitat protection and respect fishing seasons and regulations. By practicing environmentally conscious angling, coarse anglers play a vital role in preserving the health of aquatic ecosystems and ensuring the longevity of their favourite fishing spots for future generations.