Responsible angler techniques for saltwater fishing

Learn saltwater fishing techniques to improve the survival of released fish.

We know anglers fish to enjoy their time on the water and care about the health of Massachusetts’ waters and fisheries. Despite our best efforts, some fish do die after being caught and released. The good news is that changing the way you catch, handle, and release a fish can boost its chance of survival. A little knowledge goes a long way in protecting our resources. Below are some ways to be a more responsible angler and a better steward of Massachusetts’ fishing resources. Many of these practices will also improve your angling skills and lead to more fun on the water.

Before the catch

Here are some pre-trip decisions you can make to improve outcomes for both you and the fish. Make it a day to remember and help sustain our fisheries for the future: 

• Natural or artificial: Live or dead bait can produce fish but often lead to greater injury and lower post-release survival. If you choose to use a natural bait, pair it with a circle hook, which can increase fish survival in most situations and are required for popular species like striped bass. 
• Make your lure fish-friendly: Treble hooks do more damage to fish, and potentially your hand, than single hooks. Using lures with multiple treble hooks can lower survival as much as any other choice you make! Consider buying lures with single hooks or converting an old favorite - just get some split ring pliers and replace treble hooks with single hooks or plug flags. Barbless hooks or using pliers to flatten the barbs on your hooks can also reduce injuries and shorten handling times. 
• Make a plan: Being organized will lead to more fish caught and better outcomes for the fish. Make sure you have all the tools you need (like de-hookers, pliers, rags, and rubber nets) and that everyone knows their role before you hook up. If you plan to keep a fish, know the size and bag limits beforehand. 

During the catch

Out-of-water handling time, more than anything else, affects fish survival after release. For the fish, this is like trying to hold our breath after sprinting! Follow these tips to give that fish the best chance of surviving after the fight. 

• Be prepared! Here is where that planning pays off. Have your pliers, net, camera, and other tools ready before you make a cast.  
• Use a net: A rubber net provides two big benefits: First, it preserves the fish’s mucus membrane, which protects them from disease and infection. Second, it allows you to handle fish in the water, which keeps them breathing and starts the recovery process sooner.  
• Minimize time out of the water: If you want to grab a measurement or picture, do it as quickly as possible. For striped bass, recent research has shown that survival is much better if time out of water kept under 45 seconds. 
• Be supportive: Fishes’ bodies were designed to be surrounded by water, not air. Never hold a fish by the eyes or gills. Instead, support its weight by using two hands under the belly and tail fin. 
• A proper release: Remove the hook quickly, using pliers or a de-hooker when necessary. If the hook is swallowed, don’t try to pull it out, which can increase injury and time out-of-water. Instead, simply cut the line as short as possible. After the hook is out, release the fish gently and head first. It may be necessary to get water flowing over the gills until the fish is ready to swim away on its own.  

After the catch

• Only take what you need: Taking a fish home can mean a delicious and healthy dinner. But take a moment to consider how much your family will actually eat. Throwing away spoiled fillets is a waste we should all seek to avoid.  
• Leave it better than you found it: Make sure your trash doesn’t end up in the water, or better yet, pick up any bottles, Styrofoam, balloons, etc. you see while on the water. It is a quick and easy way to improve your favorite fishing location.  
• Recycle old fishing line: Put your old monofilament line to new use and keep trash out of the ocean. Line recycling stations can be found at many tackle stores and at all Division of Marine Fisheries offices. 
• Celebrate! There are many reasons why recreational anglers go fishing, but having fun and enjoying a day on the water is at the heart of it for most of us. Enjoy your experience and all that comes with it and bring a friend next time! 

Last updated:	October 2, 2026