Testing Potential Mitigation Strategies for Injuries in Angled Fish

Abstract

Recreational angling is a common and enjoyable activity that many people consider a hobby, lifestyle and/or passion however it can have negative effects on fish. The goal of my thesis was to identify strategies to mitigate injuries that arise during recreational fishing events. Chapter 2 investigated if replacing treble hooks on hard plastic lures with single hooks would reduce injuries and fish handling time in three common targeted gamefish species. My data suggested that making these alterations reduced unhooking time for Northern Pike, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass. Chapter 3 explored the viral tactic of pouring carbonated beverages on bleeding fish injuries. I did not find any benefits of using various carbonated beverages on bleeding injuries in Northern Pike. Together, these studies recommend that anglers switch the treble hooks on their hard plastic lures to single hooks and return the fish to the water as soon as possible.