There are some interesting threads around to do with catch and release so building on that, I just wanted to ask what I should do if I decide to dispatch a fish due to it being foul hooked/damaged (whilst fishing on a C&R ticket) ?

To avoid any awkward bankside conversations with the bailiff should I stop fishing and immediately take it up to the lodge to explain?

Is it etiquette/good practice to offer to pay for that fish when fishing at a stocked lake or is it simply an occupational hazard for the fishery owner?

Many thanks.

Normally good idea to call another experianced angler over if you are unsure, manager is better. However there is no point carting the fish up to the lodge for it to die in your hands when it may have survived if released safely and carefully

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Thanks Roll Cast! Appreciate the advice.

Of course, I don't mean to take the fish to the lodge whilst alive - I mean once it has been dispatched.

Thanks once again,

Delboy

I would say yes to that question, you are just being honest, and hopefully the owner will respect that honesty.
Far better the fish is made use of by either you or the fishery owner, than being slung in the bushes to hide it.
It's unavoidable at times, do the right thing, and I am sure you will be thought well of for doing it.
S.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

I recently deep hooked a trout while fishing at a place which allows C&R and having already caught and released a couple of fish I had made it a C&R only session under the rules of the fishery. I left it alive in the water, in the net, and sought out the owner to see what he would like me to do. He agreed with knocking it on the head, and said that if I could use it I should take it home. He knows me, though, and that I wouldn't swing the lead. Not all owners may be so sensible, and not all anglers are honest.

Thanks for the various replies chaps.

It seems common sense dictates that honesty/transparency is the best policy in this situation.

Best,

Delboy

If i ever have to kill a fish for whatever reason ( i fish C&R ),i either hand it in at the end of the day or if i fancy a fish to take home i just pay for it.

Neil

In my experience foul hooked fish are the easiest to release as they unhook very easily. It is only ones that have really gobbed the fly that bleed.

Charlie

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates

Most C&R fisheries will have a rule about deep hooked or bleeding fish. Check the fishery rules, they may already cover this scenario

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find out fishery rules to start with then theres no confusion, if its not included in the set of rules ask the owner/bailiff etc ,thats etiquette

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WHEN YOU LEAVE THE RIVER, TAKE NOTHING, AND LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINT'S!!!

THA CAN TELL A YORKSHIREMAN ,BUT THA CAN'T TELL HIM MUCH !!