Effects of capture and handling on striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in the recreational fishery of coastal Massachusetts

Abstract

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) are a highly valued recreational fishery along the eastern coast of North America, with most hooked fish released voluntarily or due to regulations. Understanding how striped bass respond to capture and handling, particularly air exposure, is crucial for improving management and angler practices to maximize post-release survival. This study evaluated the physical and physiological condition of 521 striped bass subjected to catch-and-release angling across different gear and tackle types and five air exposure treatments using reflex action mortality predictors. A subset of striped bass (n = 37) caught on conventional gear and double treble hook lures were fitted with triaxial accelerometer biologgers to assess short-term post-release activity across three air exposure treatments. Reflex impairment increased with higher water temperatures, longer fight and handling times, increased air exposure, and hooking in locations other than the jaw. Physical injury from foul hooking was more frequent with conventional gear, while deep hooking occurred more often with fly gear. Post-release activity was influenced by time following release, with higher activity observed in striped bass not air exposed compared to those exposed for 30 s and 120 s. Within 20 min of release, all fish survived, demonstrating resilience to the tested conditions. Our findings suggest that anglers can minimize their impact by using single hooks, reducing fight and handling times, limiting air exposure, and avoiding high water temperatures, especially for striped bass larger than 65.4 cm. These findings can inform management decisions and hone best practices for catch-and-release of striped bass.