Ethically Fishing Aboard Your Blackfin for the Catch and Release

Fishing is a core part of the Blackfin experience. Our vessels have everything you could need to make your fishing excursion as successful as possible, especially when fishing for harvest. Fish such as snapper or mahi-mahi are incredibly delicious, and Blackfin boats have amenities such as insulated fish boxes and rigging stations so you could easily fillet and store the fish to keep the flavor. Catch and release fishing is also an important part of the sport. Fish like sharks or grouper are just some of the fish that are protected in several different areas of the world. Freshwater fish such as bass, snook, and trout are also common species that are caught for catch and release. Even though this goes for all fishing, for catch and release fishing, it is important to be knowledgeable and aware of your surroundings, especially while out on the open water. It is also important to leave the environment around you in the same way or better than when you found it. Here are some steps you can take that will make you a more ethical catch-and-release fisherman.

Properly using and setting up your gear

Using the right gear in the right situations is important. You don’t want to use an ocean rod for freshwater and vice versa; the same thing goes for line. You should know what kind of line to use if you’re fishing for something in particular. Small freshwater fishing may just call for a thinner and cheaper line, but saltwater fishing certainly needs your ocean rods to have something such as an offshore braided line. Tying your fishing knots is also pivotal. You don’t want to lose a catch because of a bad knot, and you shouldn’t want a fish to have a hook now stuck in its mouth or elsewhere. Always remember to wet your line as well, before tying your knot to better strengthen it.

Set your hook

Always remember to set your hook. Setting the hook involves you securing the hook into the fish’s mouth or lip after it has taken the bait; the same goes for using a lure. The easiest way this can be done is by lifting your rod in an upwards motion after you feel the fish at the end of the line. If you don’t set the hook, it is possible the fish might swallow the bait, getting the hook stuck on its insides or “gutting” the fish. This especially goes for lures, which may use multiple treble hooks that can be difficult to remove if the hook isn’t set properly. A good hook is when the hook or lure is secured firmly in the fish’s mouth.

Use Tools

Even with a good hook set, it is possible the hook might get stuck on the fish’s mouth. You can use pliers to get a more precise angle on the hook, or gloves to get a better hold on the fish. Tools can also be used for setting up your rod, cutting line, or finding fish in the first place.

Releasing

The release of a fish is also very important. If it is a smaller fish, make sure the fish is upright and facing the open water before tossing it back in. Bigger fish should involve you (and others if possible) holding the fish on the side of the boat in an upright position, facing the bow. Slowly move the boat forward to run water through the fish’s gills. If the fish doesn’t automatically swim away, gently push the fish forward to better stimulate the fish's swimming.

Clean up

Lastly, always clean up after yourself. You always want to leave your fishing location in the same or better condition than when you found it. Never litter and make sure to pick up the small things, such as hooks and lines. If you are using live bait as well, make sure to use it all so as not to waste.

Fishing is an incredibly fun and rewarding hobby, especially with your Blackfin. A live fish well, and several spots to hold your rod in place are just some of the features that come with your Blackfin that set you up for success while out on your fishing endeavor. But you should always remember to be considerate and mindful of the environment around you to ensure sport can live on for generations to come.