Catch and release is becoming more and more popular at the water's edge, but it's also nice to enjoy a fish from time to time. But if it's important not to keep small fish, even if they're meshed, it's also essential to spare the larger ones, for a number of reasons.
Respect for elders
Trophy fish are particularly old specimens. Although it's difficult to define a precise age, as the growth of fish differs from one species to another, and above all according to the environment in which they live, we can say that a sea bass measuring over 70 cm is probably around 15 years old. This figure seems sufficient to say that a fish that has survived all the traps and natural selection for so long deserves to live for a long time to come!
Genetic heritage
Natural selection is an important criterion to take into account when deciding whether to release a large specimen. Indeed, the biggest fish are those with a genetic heritage that enables them to reach large sizes, and the most resistant to disease or other factors. But they are also the ones who are undoubtedly the cleverest at evading the various traps and who have learned the most. For quality offspring, it is important that these subjects can pass on the genes they possess to perpetuate a quality population.
The best breeders
While opinions have long varied on the subject, there is now a consensus that the largest specimens produce the greatest number of eggs, and that this is not proportional to size, but exponential. This means that record fish are the best breeders, so it's essential to release them to perpetuate the species for as long as possible.
The ability to collect trophies
It sounds logical, but sometimes it's worth remembering. A big fish is a fish that will never be caught again. Releasing them all, systematically, means not only allowing them to grow even larger, but also multiplying the number of large fish in the environment. By doing so, you multiply your chances of catching a record fish again!
