National Catch and Release Day

National Catch and Release Day for the year 2023 is celebrated/observed on Saturday, April 8th. There are until the next observance.

The second Saturday in April is National Catch and Release Day. It will be held on April 8 this year. It is observed yearly on the second Saturday of April. It’s a day to recognize all fishermen of all skill levels who use the catch-and-release technique of fishing. It’s also an excellent opportunity to spread the word about this practice, which aids in the conservation of local fish species among other recreational fishers. We commend this catch-and-release practice since it has no negative impact on native fish populations. By releasing the fish back into the water, this practice actually promotes higher fish populations and a more balanced ecology.

📆 When is National Catch and Release Day?

This year, National Catch and Release Day is on April 8th. It is the 2nd Saturday in April; in 2024, it is on Monday.

→ Did you know: They are faster and easier to remove, allowing you to swiftly return the fish to the water.

You can also learn all exciting things you didn’t know about and facts about April 8, 2023.

📜 History of National Catch and Release Day

Catch and release is a recreational fishing technique in which the fish is returned to the water after being caught. Typically, fast measurement and weighing are performed first, followed by a photo as visual verification of the capture, before the fish is unhooked and returned to the water alive. When using barbless hooks with a slack line, it is feasible to release the fish without removing it from the water. It was made to stop overfishing, which was happening because of rising ecological pressures, more people, and the destruction of habitats.

This strategy has been used by sport anglers for decades, particularly with certain severely endangered fish species. Don Martinez, a Montana-based fly shop owner, advertised it in periodicals delivered to eastern fishermen in the 1930s and 1940s. It was originally used in Michigan in 1952 to save money on stocking hatchery-raised fish. Those who went fishing for enjoyment rather than for sustenance welcomed the idea of releasing the fish when in no-kill zones. Individual streams and lakes are now maintained for reduced catch limits and habitat quality in many parts of the United States and Canada. Fishery management is shifting away from replenishing streams and lakes and toward improving current water habitats and quality. This is done so that organisms living in bodies of water can thrive more easily through natural reproduction.

☑️ National Catch and Release Day facts

✅ Don’t play with the fish
Because fatigued fish have a lower chance of surviving, catch and release them as soon as possible.

✅ Snap photos quickly
Prepare to take the shot before removing the fish from the water, and keep it to 30 seconds or less.

✅ Dip the net and wet your hands
To prevent injuring the fish’s mucus-like skin, dip the net in water and dampen your hands before handling it.

✨ Things to do on National Catch and Release Day

⚡ Practice catch and release methods
Are you going fishing? It’s a great day to practice correct catch and release techniques.

⚡ Host a fishing film fest
“A River Runs Through It,” “The Perfect Storm,” and “The Old Man and the Sea.” These are some movies to watch if you can’t get to a boat and a fishing rod.

⚡ Enjoy a meal of fish
Make it a simple fish and chips fry-up at home or a sophisticated fish meal at a restaurant. Whatever you pick, this is a great day to enjoy the bounty of the sea.

📅 National Catch and Release Day Observances

Discover all April holidays, including Fun and other American holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about National Catch and Release Day. So be sure to check back soon.