Anyone who goes fishing wants the same thing – both a feed for today, and healthy fish numbers in the water for tomorrow, so handling practices and the gear used can make a real difference. Whether you’re choosing your fishing gear, putting back an under sized fish, you’ve hit your daily limit, or it’s not the fish you’re targeting, here are some tips to give returned fish the best chance of survival:
The best way to protect small fish is to not catch them, so use larger hooks and a bigger bait to make it less likely for undersized fish to be hooked. Use 6/0 or larger circle hooks for species like cod, which also are proven to minimise the risk of gut hooking. Only use small hooks like sabikis when targeting baitfish.
If you’re catching mostly undersize fish in a spot, it’s time to move on.
If you can, keep fish in the water while removing the hook if you’re going to be putting them back. If the fish is hooked in the gills or gut don’t lift it by the line. If you need to bring them onboard use a knotless or rubber mesh net, supporting the fish at all times.
When handling a fish you’re going to release, wear wet rubber gloves or wet your hands, and place it on a soft, wet surface to remove the hook. Avoid tightly gripping the gill or gut area and try to minimise the time out of water.
Gently push the hook back the way it came for mouth-hooked fish, using pliers if you need a better grip. Always cut the line for gut-hooked fish, cutting as close as possible to the mouth.
Return fish to the sea gently, head first, and from as close to the water as you can.
Avoid predation of your released fish by seabirds by using a downpipe, a descender weight, or by distracting birds with a splash on the other side of the boat. The most effective strategy is to move on when predators turn up. Keeping your boat clean of bait scraps, fish waste, and other attractants can also help.
By following best handling practices you can give unwanted fish the best chance to survive and contribute to future spawning, making a real difference for tomorrow’s fishery.
For more information you can check out the responsible fishing guidelines on the Fisheries New Zealand website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/responsiblefishing
Following the fishing rules for your area is essential for sustainability. Make sure you’re up to date on daily catch limits, minimum legal sizes, and more by downloading the free NZ Fishing Rules App. Once downloaded, it will work even without mobile coverage.
Fisheries reform: proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act
Public consultation is underway on proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act.
Fisheries New Zealand is holding public online information sessions during the consultation period and encourage you to attend. Consultation runs through to 28 March.
The proposals aim to support the commercial fishing industry to be more efficient and productive, while ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the marine environment.
The proposed changes leverage new data and tools to enhance fisheries management and include:
- proposals to improve responsiveness, efficiency, and certainty of decision-making;
- greater protection for on-board camera footage and ensuring the on-board camera programme is workable;
- implementing new rules for commercial fishers that set out when Quota Management System (QMS) fish must be landed and when they can be returned to sea.
The next public online information sessions will be held on:
Monday 3 March 2025, 3pm to 4pm, and Thursday 13 March 2025, 3pm to 4pm.
If you would like to attend one of these sessions, go to MPI’s website to register: mpi.govt.nz/fisheriesreformconsultation. You can also find the consultation document and further information about the proposals on MPI’s website, along with details about how you can make a submission.
