Proper Catch & Release Tactics
Notice! catch and release does not work well as water temperatures increase. During warm water periods catch and release is not recommended.
* Immediately release!
* Lip land your catch.
* Don't remove the fish from the water.
* Use "circle" hooks or better yet "barbless" hooks whenever possible.
* Remove hooks as carefully as possible.
* Only fish for shallow Striped Bass.
* Don't swish the fish back and forth to aerate it -- gills are designed for one way water flow only.
* Use a slime protective net if you must remove the fish from the water using a net.
* Never place the fish on carpet. This is harmful and increases post release mortality.

NOTE: Keep in mind that releasing fish during the summer months will most likely cause them to die. The only exception to this rule is below the dams where the water temperature can allow a successful release. 

Chose where you fish.

    How you fish. 

        And when you fish.

                So your "Catch & Release" efforts have the greatest potential for success.