C&R Fishing Rules and Regulations

Catch-and-release (C&R) fishing requires using barbless hooks, minimizing fish handling time, and avoiding air exposure to maximize survival rates. Key practices include using rubber/knotless nets, keeping fish in the water while unhooking, and reviving tired fish in current before release.

Core C&R Principles and Best Practices

  • Hook Type: Utilize barbless hooks to ensure easy removal and reduce injury.
  • Handling: Keep fish in the water as much as possible. Avoid touching gills or using gloves that remove protective slime.
  • Gear: Use knotless landing nets to avoid damaging fins and scales.
  • Fight Time: Minimize the time spent fighting the fish to prevent exhaustion.
  • Revival: Hold the fish upright in the water, facing the current, until it swims away on its own.
  • Photos: Take pictures quickly, keeping the fish close to the water surface.
  • Possession Limits: Fish must be immediately released.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Do not drop fish on rocks, gravel, or dry land.
  • Avoid using bait if regulations require artificial lures only, as this can lead to deep hooking.
  • Do not "exhaust" the fish to the point of turning it belly-up.
"Use common sense, empathy and consideration when fishing"
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10 C&R Fishing Rules of the Location

1
Use single hooks and one hook only.
2
Fish barbless. Pinch the barb on barbed hooks. Barbless hooks hook well and holds fine, but unhooks indefinitely much easier.
3
Gear up for what you are catching. Match rod weight, reel size, tippet strength and hook to the size and strength of your quarry.
4
Fight and land fish as quickly as you can, within a few minutes if possible.
5
Unhook C&R fish in the water if possible. Simply grab the hook and slip it out.
6
Make optional photo, weigh and measure sessions as short as possible. Keep fish on wet weed, damp grass or padded surfaces.
7
Nets must be at least 42 inches. Fish must be kept over a wet, padded cradle at all times.
8
Avoid beaching fish and keep fish off gravel and dirt. Use a knotless landing net.
9
Fish should be returned to the water within 3 minutes. Standing while holding fish for photos is strictly prohibited.
10
Keeping fish in sacks is forbidden.
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Tackle & Rig Restrictions

  • Line: Minimum 12lb to 15lb breaking strain.
  • Rigs: Only "safe" rigs (e.g., lead clips) that allow the lead to discharge.
  • Leaders: Lead core is banned. 18-inch to 1-meter tubing required.
  • Hooks: Size 4, 6, or 8. Bent/long-shank hooks are banned.
  • Braided Line: Strictly forbidden (except spod/marker).

Venue & Bait Restrictions

  • Bait: Nuts (e.g., tiger nuts) are banned.
  • Bait Boats: Allowed, but must not interfere with others.
  • No Unattended Rods: Never leave rods with baited rigs in water.
  • Net Dipping: All gear must be dipped in disinfectant upon arrival.
Typical Disciplinary Actions:
Violations result in immediate eviction without a refund, and potentially a permanent ban.