How to Successfully Release a Fish

Many lakes, including Burntwood Lake, participate in catch and release fishing programs. While catching a fish is typically straightforward, the releasing part of fishing may be difficult for those who are new to the sport.

To practice successful catch and release, follow these steps:

  1. When handling a fish, wet your hands or put on rubberized gloves so you help maintain the slime coat on the fish. The slime coat you tend to see helps protect the fish from infection and helps with swimming.
  2. After preparing your hands, hold the fish horizontally whenever you can since that is the way fish naturally swim when in the water. Try not to drop the fish onto any hard surfaces.
  3. It’s important to keep your fingers away from the eyes and gills of the fish and avoid squeezing fish around the belly since that can damage their internal organs.
  4. To minimize handling, use a release tool such as de-hookers or recompression tools, if needed.
  5. Although you may want to take photos of your big catch, remember time is the essence! Release the fish as soon as you are able to and release the fish head first into the water so water is forced through the mouth and over the gills. This helps to resuscitate the fish. .
  6. Last but not least, know the current fishing regulations that apply to the state you are fishing in and accurately measure the fish in order to abide by the regulations. Here at Burntwood Lake Lodge, we practice a catch and release policy of all Northern Pike over 30”.

We want you to have a great experience on the water but we also encourage anglers to be responsible and knowledgeable. If we now have you feeling eager to fish, book a stay with us today by calling 1-877-358-2259.

Go Fish! Take Your Children Fishing

Have you been contemplating whether or not you should go on a fishing trip with your children? After reading about the benefits your children can gain from some good ole’ fishing, you’ll find yourself booking a trip with us sooner rather than later.

Fishing isn’t just a way to pass the time; it can increase your children’s appreciation of nature, allow them to unplug from technology and learn patience.

Appreciation of nature

The more time spent in the great outdoors, the more your children will realize the beauty of our great world. Encourage them to take in every moment because it’s not often that kids these days get out in the fresh air. Grab your pole, put some sunscreen on and head outdoors.

Unplug from technology

Getting your children away from their screens once in a while will help them see that they don’t need to be playing on a computer or video games in order to have fun. If there is no technology present, you can appreciate nature and have a truly relaxing day with your family.

Patience

Going fishing teaches children to be patient and to wait quietly for the things that they want. We live in a world of instant satisfaction and “wanting it now” so fishing really tests patience, which is a great skill to have. Children also learn that not every fishing trip will be as successful as they are hoping. After all, the sport wouldn’t be any fun if we caught a fish every time we put our line in the water.

Come visit us at Burntwood Lake Lodge and experience great walleye fishing with your children. We are sure you will create memories on the water that will last a lifetime.