| The old adage "a picture is worth a thousand words" | | | | detrimental effect of decreasing their populations |
| is not just a saying. It is a truism that can be a great | | | | faster than the fish can reproduce. |
| way to not only share your fishing experiences with | | | | To help government programs achieve the goal of |
| friends and family, but can also be a great way to | | | | maintaining healthy populations of marine life, many |
| assist in natural wildlife management. When practicing | | | | anglers are participating in the "catch and release" |
| the "catch and release" fishing method, your fishing | | | | technique of recreational fishing. The challenge and |
| pictures will provide you with a pleasurable memory | | | | enjoyment of fishing can still be enjoyed while also |
| and the lend assistance in the preservation of the fish | | | | being environmentally friendly in returning the catch to |
| species. | | | | the water. Before releasing the fish back into the |
| In the beginning, the world's waterways were filled to | | | | water, a photograph of the trophy catch being |
| the brim with a huge variety of marine life, many of | | | | supported by the angler is snapped to forever seal |
| which were ideal for sustaining the appetites of wildlife | | | | that victorious moment in history. |
| and humans alike. As the human population and the | | | | Many fishing charter companies have become well |
| need to feed it grew, much of the fish population | | | | versed in the catch and release method, which does |
| dwindled; in some cases, disappeared. | | | | take some knowledge and expertise to ensure the |
| As time wore on and humans realized that many | | | | well being and survival of the released fish. The more |
| species were threatened to extinction by over | | | | quickly the fish can be landed, the higher the chance of |
| harvesting the waterways, efforts have been made to | | | | its survival after release. Having a gentle hand is |
| reverse the damaging effects already made. One of | | | | essential. It is necessary to pull the fish in and take your |
| the major successful efforts has been to initiate | | | | memorable photo as quickly as possible, being careful |
| hatcheries to regulate healthy populations of fish | | | | not to hold the fish by the gills or eyes. After removal |
| species, which are deposited into natural lakes, ponds | | | | of the hook, gently and carefully release the fish back |
| and rivers in a system called "stocking". This process | | | | into the water, moving it slowly forward to allow water |
| balances the number of fish present in those | | | | to flow over the gills. When you feel the fish surge |
| waterways to meet the demands of individual anglers. | | | | forward on its own, let go, and celebrate its freedom. |
| Another method used to protect fish species in | | | | Fishing pictures are a way to remember and relive |
| oceans is by limiting catch. Bag limits on varieties such | | | | those incredible moments; battling and landing your |
| as swordfish, tarpon, tuna, crab and clams just to | | | | trophy fish. At the same time, you will know you have |
| name a few are intended to slow the depletion of | | | | done your part to help preserve a natural resource. |
| these species. Commercial fishing has had the | | | | |