Shortly after I wrote the article on Catch and Release controversies, I received information from the Catch and Release Foundation announcing the creation of a special C & R task force. The goal of the task force will be to develop an updated and easy to read guideline for use by all anglers. It is hoped that these guidelines will optimize the survival of recreationally caught and released fish.

With so many offering completely differing opinions on the merit of catch and release fishing, and in light of the fact that there is some evidence that many released fish do not fare well, it will be good to see the results of this task force. Most fly fishers would agree that it is in all of our best interests to ensure protection of our angling resources. If we can improve on the way we release fish resulting in a far higher survival rate, then I see no reason why most anglers would not take the time to learn.

Foundation President, Paul Carpenter, will chair the task force, which will include sport fishing specialists and fisheries biologists from a number of conservation organizations and outdoor media. The guideline will provide general catch-and-release recommendations for all species as well as group-specific information for certain popular species of game fish. These recommendations will be based on a review of existing data / making use of the most current release mortality research, as well as personal input from Task Force members based on many years of 'hands-on' experience.

The Task Force includes: Paul Carpenter - President, Catch & Release Foundation, Task Force Director Vin Sparano -Editor Emeritus/Sr. Field Editor Outdoor Life, Board of Directors CRF Kyler Cragnolin - Catch & Release Foundation Biologist Doug Hannon - 'The Bass Professor' Glenn Lau - Marine Specialist Albia Dugger - Sr. Editor Sportfishing Magazine, Fisheries Biologist Duncan Barnes - Editor, Field & Stream Terry McDonnell - Publisher, Editor -in -Chief, Sports Afield Magazine Joan Salvato Wulff - Writer, Lecturer, Wulff School of Fly fishing Jerry Gibbs - Fishing Editor Outdoor Life Mark Sosin - Catch & Release Specialist Michael Nussman - The American Sportfishing Association Rip Cunningham - Editor, Salt Water Sportsman Jimmy Houston - Fishing Professional, Jimmy Houston Outdoors Tom Baudanza - DEP Fisheries Biologist Jon Lucy - Marine Recreational Specialist, Virginia Sea Grant Steve Pennaz - Editor, North American Fishermen

With growing numbers of anglers releasing some portion of their day's catch, it has become increasingly important that these fishermen be well informed and practice responsible catch-and-release techniques. To this end, The Catch & Release Foundation will be seeking assistance from Berkley, Eagle Claw, JWA Stren, Normark, Plano and all other manufacturers of fishing product to include this new guideline in their product lines for all anglers to read and put into practice.

For further information contact: The Catch & Release Foundation, PO Box 556, Pound Ridge, NY 10576 or 800-63CATCH

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