Effect of catch‐and‐release angling on growth and survival of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Abstract

Abstract Catch‐and‐release angling is popular in many parts of the world and plays an increasingly important role in fish conservation efforts. Although survival rates associated with catch‐and‐release angling are well documented for many species, sublethal effects have been less studied. An experiment was conducted to directly assess the effects of catch‐and‐release angling on growth and survival of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum). Catch‐and‐release events were simulated in laboratory tanks maintained at 15–16 °C with hooks manually placed in pre‐designated locations in the mouths of the fish. There were no differences in standard length (P = 0.59) or wet weight (P = 0.81) gained between caught and uncaught fish over a 1‐month angling and recovery period. Survival was 96.99 ± 0.06% for rainbow trout caught and released, and did not vary with number (one, two or four) of captures. Thus, catch‐and‐release angling appears to have little effect on growth and mortality of rainbow trout hooked in the mouth.