Impacts of angling experience and J hook size on catch rates, species composition, hooking depth, and bleeding in freshwater recreational pole fishing

To enhance the reliability of fishery-dependent data and reduce catch-and-release impacts, understanding the determinants of catch rates and fish injury in recreational fisheries is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of angler experience and hook size on catch outcomes and injury (hooking depth and bleeding) while pole fishing for small-bodied freshwater fish, primarily cyprinids. We conducted experiments using a factorial randomized block design over three years at two sites near Berlin, Germany. Results showed that experienced anglers had significantly higher CPUE than novices, but angler experience did not affect fish size, which was instead influenced by hook size (barbed J hooks 10 to 18) and fishing session. Novice anglers caused more fish bleeding, while hook size had no significant effect on either bleeding or hooking depth. We recommend assessing self-perceived angling skill in catch data analysis and providing training to minimize welfare impacts from novice anglers.