Atlantic salmon survey supports live release

The people have spoken. Well, 802 Atlantic salmon anglers have, at least. And the word is this: catch-and-release works. According to the results of the Atlantic Salmon Federation’s recent live-release survey, an overwhelming 94.6 per cent of respondents said live release is important to Atlantic salmon conservation. Not only that, 94 per cent also said they believe they’re able to safely release fish to ensure their chances of survival.

Included in the survey, conducted this past April, was an opportunity for respondents to add their comments about catch-and-release. Here is one of the more poignant replies, a sentiment shared by many of the respondents:

“Anglers cast their flies out into the river anticipating a strike. The adrenaline rush is the strike and the sound of your reel singing in the wind, while the salmon leaps out of the water. Why kill something that gave you so much joy? This same fish just may be the salmon that gives another angler this same rush, and that angler just may be your child or grandchild.”

For the complete survey results and additional comments, go to the ASF Web site.