A new study by researchers from the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries and the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin examines how angler skill and hook size influence catch success and fish injury in recreational fishing.
In a controlled field experiment conducted over three years in northeastern Germany, the researchers analysed nearly 2,000 fish catches during pole fishing for small-bodied freshwater fish.
The results show that skilled anglers caught about twice as many fish per unit time as less experienced anglers. At the same time, unskilled anglers caused more bleeding injuries in fish, highlighting the importance of experience and handling practices in recreational fisheries.
Interestingly, hook size had no detectable effect on catch rates or fish injury in this study.
These findings highlight that human factors such as angler skill can strongly influence fisheries data and fish welfare, and should therefore be considered in fisheries management and research that relies on angler catch data.