Of the multiple fish biologists I have spoken with over the years, they all seem to steer the conversation away from catch and release being of much value and suggest that it is a misguided measure in restoring or maintaining healthy fish populations.
I am well aware of selective harvest, as well as all of the other factors that influence population dynamics. But on a smaller river, I can’t see how anyone could possibly Argue that allowing people to keep four to five 18”+ fish every day won’t negatively impact the population if not wipe it out entirely.
Is there some underlying political reason or other bias influencing the aversion they all seem to have to this subject or is there science behind it? Obviously there are multiple variables involved, and the size of the body of water as well as the population are major factors. But overall I have seen an overwhelming skepticism among them regarding the effectiveness of catch and release.