Reggie Smithers wrote:
Using Circular Hooks is becoming popular as a way to improve the odds of
fish surviving when released.

With the spread of Shark Fishing Tournaments (as seen on a new reality TV
show) how do people improve the odds of a Shark surviving a catch and
release. I know some people just cut the leader, but that seems like it
impacts on the fish's ability to hunt and opens the fish to infection by
having a wound that will not heal.

Does the hook and leader rust or is the fish destined to carry around a hook
and leader for ever? Is it just me or do some aspects of fishing seem
pretty brutal and barbaric?

part of the problem with catch and release, is most people do not do it
correctly. i'm well past annoyed at some of the local fishing guides /
so-called experts who get a cable show and have some of the worst fish
handling techniques. for them it is all about the monster hook set, and
the money shot for the camera. i laugh when i see these guys practically
knock themselves over backwards to set a hook. how many times have you
seen these yahoos grab a fish by the mouth or gills and hold it in the
air for an extended time? for some, it is every time. i simply stop
watching their shows and have stop patronizing their sponsors.

those shark fishing tournaments are the worst of the bunch. and they
'catch to kill' about everything they hook. i watched that show ONE
time. if i ever do turn on that show again, it will only be to make note
of the sponsors so i can let them know.

done properly, the fish really do have a pretty decent chance at survival.