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Abstract
Length‐limit regulations and promotion of catch‐and‐release fishing have become increasingly important management approaches for recreational fisheries. We review‐studies on catch‐and‐release (hooking) mortality gathered from the existing fisheries literature and from a survey of fisheries management agencies in all 50 states, the U.S. government, all Canadian provinces, and selected academic and research institutions. We identified hooking mortality estimates for 32 taxa. Most studies dealt with salmonids, centrarchids (especially black basses, Micropterus spp.), and percids (especially walleye, Stizostedion vitreum). Within and among species, differences in percent mortality were reported in association with bait type (artificial vs. natural), hook type (number of hooks, hook size, and barbs), season/ temperature, water depth (depressurization), anatomical location of hook wound, and individual size. Although most hooking mortalities occur within 24 h, the use of initial plus delayed mortality provides a more complete estimate of mortality. Single hooks (especially when used in conjunction with natural baits) resulted in higher mortalities than treble hooks. Environmental conditions (notably high water temperature and low dissolved oxygen) are important to overall mortality related to hooking, playing, and handling. Mortalities were highly variable; occasionally exceeding 30% among red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), smallmouth bass (M. dolomieu), largemouth bass (M. salmoides), cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki), and catfishes (Ictaluridae), and 68% among spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), bluegills (Lepomis macrocbirus), crappies, (Pomoxis spp.), striped bass (Morqne saxatilis), and coho salmon (O. kisutch). Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and pikes (Esoddae) had mortalities under 15%. The many variables potentially affecting hooking mortality may make optimal management of particular species and water bodies difficult using regional‐level (e.g., statewide) management regulations.