It should be noted that the study equates “catch” with “harvest,” and therefore requires interpretation in the proper context of angling regulations. In Germany, as well as many other European countries, food acquisition is often considered the only justifiable reason for fishing, and anglers are generally required to harvest (kill) their catch, given that the fish is caught during the appropriate fishing season and meets minimum size criteria for the species. Conversely, the practice of catch and release is often frowned upon and may result in revocation of angling licenses and hefty fines. In contrast, catch and release is widely practiced in many fisheries elsewhere in the world – particularly in the United States, where recreational fishing mortality for many species is likely much lower than that assumed for pike in this study. Despite the often-best intentions of an angler, however, released fish are still expected to suffer from elevated mortality – about 18% on average, but this greatly depends on species, fishing method, and handling procedure.

 

The authors suggest that regulations such as minimum size limits and slot limits can dampen the effects of harvest selection by allowing larger fish to persist and reproduce. However, restrictions approaching a total catch and release policy may be necessary to avoid recreational fisheries selecting for small, shy fish – a stark contrast to current angling regulations in many European countries. The authors conclude that smaller, shy, and inactive fish may reduce the appeal of fisheries, and that the behavioral changes in predatory fish populations may even alter aquatic food webs – for example, if more timid predators feed less effectively, this could reduce predation pressure on forage fish and allow populations of these smaller species to increase. Clearly, more research is warranted to assess some of these unknowns – while also taking into account that, from an angler’s perspective, nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught.