Why Catch and Release Matters in Kenya

Catch and release in Kenya is a conservation fishing practice where anglers return fish to the water after capture with the goal of maximizing their chances of survival. When done correctly, it helps protect fish populations, supports sustainable recreational fishing, and preserves Kenya's fisheries for future generations.

Kenya is home to diverse freshwater and marine fisheries, from Lake Victoria's Nile Perch and Lake Naivasha's Black Bass to the Indian Ocean's Giant Trevally, Kingfish, and Snapper. As recreational angling grows, responsible fish handling has become increasingly important.

However, releasing a fish does not automatically mean it survives. Poor handling, excessive air exposure, damaged gills, and improper landing techniques can significantly reduce survival rates.

Learning proper catch-and-release techniques allows anglers to enjoy fishing while helping maintain healthy fish stocks for future generations.

Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd (MFT) supplies landing nets, fishing accessories, terminal tackle, and apparel designed to support responsible angling across Kenya.

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What Is Catch and Release?

Catch and release is the practice of catching a fish, handling it carefully, and returning it to the water in the best possible condition.

The goal is simple:

  • Minimise stress
  • Reduce physical injury
  • Increase survival after release

Successful catch and release depends on every stage of the process, from hook selection to fish revival.

Why Catch and Release Is Important in Kenya

Catch and release helps conserve fish populations, supports recreational fisheries, and protects breeding fish that contribute to healthy ecosystems.

Responsible release benefits:

  • Sustainable sport fishing
  • Future generations of anglers
  • Local tourism
  • Biodiversity
  • Fish breeding populations

This is particularly valuable in heavily fished waters where large breeding fish play an important ecological role.

Which Fish Should Be Released?

Fish intended for catch and release should be returned as quickly as possible, especially breeding-sized fish and species protected by local regulations.

Common candidates include:

  • Large Nile Perch
  • Trophy Black Bass
  • Giant Trevally
  • Queenfish
  • Catch-and-release tournament fish

Always follow applicable fisheries regulations regarding protected species, size limits, and bag limits.

Step 1: Land the Fish Quickly

Bringing a fish to hand efficiently reduces exhaustion and improves its chances of surviving after release.

Using tackle that is too light can unnecessarily prolong the fight.

A balanced setup allows anglers to:

  • Control the fish
  • Reduce stress
  • Limit lactic acid build-up
  • Shorten recovery time

Landing a fish efficiently is one of the first steps toward successful release.

Step 2: Use the Right Landing Net

A knotless, rubber-coated landing net helps protect a fish's scales, fins, and protective slime coating during landing.

Traditional coarse mesh nets can:

  • Remove protective mucus
  • Damage fins
  • Increase injury

Rubber-coated landing nets are gentler and help reduce physical damage.

Why the Fish's Slime Coat Matters

The slime coat is a protective mucus layer that helps defend fish against infection, parasites, and disease.

Handling fish roughly or placing them on dry surfaces can remove this protective layer.

Avoid placing fish on:

  • Rocks
  • Dry boat decks
  • Sand
  • Concrete

Whenever possible, keep the fish supported above a wet landing net or over the water.

Step 3: Wet Your Hands Before Handling Fish

Wet hands reduce friction and help preserve the fish's protective slime coat.

Dry hands can:

  • Remove protective mucus
  • Damage delicate skin
  • Increase infection risk

Before touching any fish, simply dip your hands in the water.

Step 4: Keep the Fish in the Water

Keeping fish submerged whenever possible reduces stress and protects their gills from drying out.

If photographs are planned:

  • Prepare the camera first.
  • Lift the fish briefly.
  • Return it immediately.

Many experienced anglers unhook fish while they remain partially submerged.

Step 5: Minimise Air Exposure

Fish survive best when air exposure is kept to an absolute minimum, ideally only a few seconds.

Extended air exposure affects:

  • Oxygen exchange
  • Recovery
  • Survival

If taking photos:

  • Lift the fish only when ready.
  • Hold it securely.
  • Return it promptly.

A good rule is to spend more time preparing the camera than holding the fish out of the water.

Step 6: Remove the Hook Carefully

Remove hooks gently using suitable tools to minimise injury and handling time.

Useful tools include:

  • Long-nose pliers
  • Hook removers
  • Forceps

Avoid pulling forcefully if the hook is deeply embedded.

If necessary, cut the leader close to the hook rather than causing additional damage.

Circle Hooks Help Reduce Deep Hooking

 Circle hooks often hook fish in the corner of the mouth, making hook removal easier and reducing injury compared with traditional hook styles when using natural bait.

Benefits include:

  • Easier hook removal
  • Reduced gut-hooking
  • Improved survival

They are particularly useful for:

  • Nile Perch
  • Catfish
  • Marine bait fishing 

    Step 7: Revive the Fish Before Release

    A tired fish should be revived in the water until it can maintain its balance and swim away under its own power.

    After a long fight, fish may require time to recover before release.

    To revive a fish:

    1. Hold it gently in an upright position.
    2. Keep it submerged.
    3. Face it into the current or move the boat slowly if there is no natural flow.
    4. Allow water to pass naturally over the gills.
    5. Release only when the fish swims away strongly.

    Avoid pushing the fish back and forth aggressively, as this can interfere with normal water flow over the gills.

    Species-Specific Catch and Release Tips

    Different fish species respond differently to handling, so anglers should adapt their release techniques accordingly.

    Nile Perch

    Large Nile Perch require full body support because hanging them vertically can damage internal organs and the jaw.

    Best practices:

    • Support the belly with one hand.
    • Hold the lower jaw carefully with the other.
    • Avoid lifting very large fish by the jaw alone.
    • Return the fish to the water promptly.

    Large breeding Nile Perch contribute significantly to future fish populations and deserve careful handling.

    Tilapia

    Tilapia are generally hardy, but they should still be handled with wet hands and released quickly to minimise stress.

    Use appropriately sized hooks to reduce injury and simplify hook removal.

    African Catfish

    Catfish are resilient but should be handled carefully to avoid damaging their protective slime coat and sensitive barbels.

    When handling catfish:

    • Avoid squeezing the body.
    • Support the fish properly.
    • Remove hooks gently using pliers if necessary.

    Black Bass

    Black Bass should be supported horizontally, especially larger specimens, to reduce strain on the jaw.

    While a brief lip grip is acceptable for smaller bass, prolonged vertical holding is not recommended for heavier fish.

    Marine Species

    Species such as Giant Trevally, Kingfish, Snapper, and Queenfish benefit from minimal handling and rapid release.

    Saltwater predators can become exhausted during long fights, making quick recovery and careful handling especially important.

    Common Catch-and-Release Mistakes

    Many released fish fail to survive because of avoidable handling mistakes rather than the hook itself.

    Holding Fish by the Gills

    Never lift or carry fish by the gills, as this can cause severe injury to delicate respiratory tissues.

    Always support the fish from underneath.

    Placing Fish on Dry Surfaces

    Boat decks, rocks, sand, and concrete remove the protective slime coating and can injure scales and fins.

    Whenever possible:

    • Keep the fish in the landing net.
    • Handle it over the water.
    • Use a wet measuring mat if measurements are required.

    Fighting Fish Too Long

    Excessively long fights increase exhaustion, making recovery more difficult after release.

    Use tackle that matches the target species to shorten fight times while maintaining sporting enjoyment.

    Touching the Eyes or Gills

    The eyes and gills are extremely delicate and should never be touched unnecessarily.

    Handle fish around the body while supporting their weight.

    Delaying Photography

    Prepare your camera before lifting the fish to minimise the time it spends out of the water.

    One or two quick photographs are preferable to extended photo sessions.

    Essential Equipment for Responsible Catch and Release

    Using the right equipment makes catch and release safer, quicker, and more effective.

    Recommended gear includes:

    • Rubber-coated landing net
    • Long-nose pliers
    • Hook remover
    • Barbless or circle hooks where appropriate
    • Measuring tape or wet measuring mat
    • Polarized sunglasses for spotting fish
    • Tackle box for organised equipment

    Quality equipment reduces handling time and helps anglers release fish efficiently.

    Catch and Release for Recreational vs Commercial Fishing

    Catch and release is primarily associated with recreational angling, while commercial fishing generally focuses on harvesting legal catches.

    Recreational Fishing

    Catch and release supports:

    • Sustainable sport fishing
    • Trophy fisheries
    • Responsible angling
    • Conservation

    Commercial Fishing

    Commercial fishers should still minimise unnecessary injury to fish that must be released due to regulations or accidental capture.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does catch and release actually work?

    Yes. When fish are handled correctly and released quickly, survival rates can be high, although they vary depending on species, water temperature, hook placement, and handling practices.

    Why should I wet my hands before touching a fish?

    Wet hands help protect the fish's natural slime coat, which acts as a barrier against infection and disease.

    Are landing nets better for catch and release?

    Yes. Rubber-coated, knotless landing nets reduce scale loss, fin damage, and stress compared with traditional coarse mesh nets.

    Are circle hooks better for catch and release?

    Circle hooks are often preferred for natural bait fishing because they are more likely to hook fish in the corner of the mouth, making release easier.

    How long can a fish stay out of water?

    The less time out of the water, the better. Ideally, fish should only be lifted briefly for hook removal or a quick photograph before being returned immediately.

    Should I release tired fish immediately?

    No. Exhausted fish should first be revived in the water until they regain strength and can swim away on their own.

    Is catch and release good for Nile Perch?

    Yes. Releasing large breeding Nile Perch helps support healthy fisheries and sustainable recreational angling in Kenyan waters.

    MFT Kenya Store and Delivery Information

    Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd (MFT) supplies fishing accessories, landing gear, terminal tackle, and apparel to support responsible angling throughout Kenya.

    Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd (MFT)

    Address:
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    Delivery Across Kenya

    MFT delivers fishing equipment to anglers across Kenya, including:

    • Nairobi
    • Kisumu
    • Homa Bay
    • Naivasha
    • Nakuru
    • Eldoret
    • Kericho
    • Kakamega
    • Nyeri
    • Meru
    • Machakos
    • Thika
    • Mombasa
    • Malindi
    • Kilifi

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    Final Verdict: Responsible Fish Handling Makes Every Release Count

    Successful catch and release in Kenya is about more than simply letting a fish go. Careful handling, using the right equipment, keeping fish in the water whenever possible, minimising air exposure, and allowing exhausted fish to recover before release all improve their chances of survival.

    Whether you're pursuing Nile Perch on Lake Victoria, Black Bass on Lake Naivasha, or Giant Trevally along Kenya's coast, practising responsible catch and release helps conserve valuable fisheries while ensuring future generations of anglers can enjoy the same waters. With suitable landing gear, quality terminal tackle, and informed handling techniques, every release can contribute to healthier fish populations and more sustainable recreational fishing in Kenya.