Effects of Temperature, Air Exposure Time, and Bleeding on Post‐Release Movement of Angled Channel Catfish

ABSTRACT Catch‐and‐release angling is an effective conservation tool only when released fish survive. Measuring the physiological response of sportfish to capture has recently been enhanced by the use of accelerometers to measure post‐release movement. We measured the post‐release response of 55 angled channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus using tri‐axial accelerometers (fish were harnessed with an accelerometer and monitored over a 15‐min period), after first assessing hooking location and bleeding and exposing fish to 1–6 min of air exposure. Hooking depth and bleeding were correlated and reduced the ability of channel catfish to return to depth. Air exposure did not affect post‐release movement by channel catfish, which indicated this species was somewhat resilient to handling. We recommend that anglers concerned with the post‐release survival of channel catfish should use terminal gear that minimizes deep hooking and injury.