Catch & Release Fishing for Pelagic Species: Tips for Sustainable Offshore & Beach Angling

Pelagic game fish like tuna, mahi-mahi (dorado), wahoo, GT, makerel and billfish (marlin, sailfish) offer unmatched excitement for offshore anglers. But with growing environmental pressures, catch and release (C&R) fishing has become essential for protecting these powerful, migratory species.

Done right, C&R helps maintain healthy fish populations and keeps offshore sportfishing thriving.

 Why Catch & Release Matters

Gentle Catch & Release

Many pelagic species are:

• Highly migratory

• Slow to reproduce

• Vulnerable to overfishing

Species like sailfish and blue marlin are especially at risk from both commercial and recreational harvest. Catch and release helps reduce pressure on these populations—but only if done correctly.

Best Practices for Releasing Pelagic Fish

1. Use the Right Tackle

• Circle hooks (non-offset and barbless preferred) reduce deep hooking.

• Use strong rods and reels to land fish quickly and minimize exhaustion.

Circle Hook Rig

2. Minimize Handling

• Keep the fish in the water when possible.

• Wet your hands or gloves before handling.

• Support the fish horizontally, never by the jaw or gills.

• Avoid laying the fish on hot, dry decks.

3. Avoid Gaffs

Only use a gaff if you're keeping the fish. For C&R:

Use tail ropes

• Use lip grips

• Use long de-hookers to safely release fish at boatside

4. Revive Before Release

Hold the fish upright in the water

• Move it gently forward to oxygenate the gills

• Larger fish may need several minutes to recover and swim off strongly

Shore Angler releasing safely

5. Know the Rules

Different regions have different regulations. Some species (like Atlantic blue marlin) are catch and release only in many zones. Always stay up to date on:

• Gear restrictions

• Bag limits

• Seasonal closures

Species-Specific Tips

Sailfish & Marlin:

• Extremely sensitive to air exposure

• Use in-water release tools

• Never lift vertically for photos

Tuna:

• Can suffer from barotrauma

• Handle as little as possible and release quickly

Mahi-Mahi (Dorado):

• Durable but slippery and fast-moving

• Use two hands if lifting for a quick photo

Wahoo:

• Sharp teeth and strong thrashing

• Always use pliers and protect your hands

Closeup of Wahoo at boat, being safely unhooked

Conservation Through Action

Releasing a fish properly means you’re doing your part to protect ocean ecosystems, support sustainable fishing, and preserve the future of sportfishing.

Every responsible release makes a difference—especially for pelagic species that travel thousands of miles and face heavy fishing pressure along the way.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're chasing yellowfin in the Gulf or blue marlin in the Pacific, remember: How you release matters.

Let’s fish smarter, not just harder.

Tight lines—and even tighter conservation!