What are Fish Hatcheries? Main Hatchery Types, Pros & Cons

Aerial view of fishing hatchery at chiloe island, chile. But what are fish hatcheries?

Fish hatcheries are facilities that produce brood stock, eggs, larvae and finally fish for stocking into lakes, rivers and oceans. They exist in different shapes and sizes, but they all have the same goal: to help replenish dwindling stocks of fish. There are two main types of hatcheries: public (owned by a government agency) or private (usually …

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What is bycatch? – The Unfortunate Side of Fishing

What is bycatch? - Small boat near offshore fishing net and traps

What is bycatch? The term refers to marine animals or sea birds that are not the intended catch. The fishing industry will use fishing methods associated with bycatch including longlines, gillnets and purse seine nets. Various marine species such as sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, seabirds and even whales can all be considered bycatch. This article …

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Lead vs Tungsten Weights – Which is Better for Fishing?

Fishing weights on the white - what is the difference between lead vs tungsten weights?

‘’There isn’t any way on earth I’d pay more than a buck for one piece of a sinker. No way!’’ This is one of the lines we picked from a heated online conversation on Lead vs. Tungsten weights. I wasn’t shocked as it is an argument I hear often. Forget the parliamentary debates you watch …

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Humane Fish Hooks – Fishing without Hurting the Fish?

Humane Fish Hooks Isolated On White Background

Humane fish hooks are a vital piece of gear. This article will not address fishing hooks 101, but the importance of using those that greatly minimize the chances of hurting fish. A hook wound could seem minor to the fisher but it can badly damage the eye, gills, and internal organs. This can end up …

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What is Drag Net Fishing and is it Legal?

What is Drag Net Fishing? A red net on a fishing boat.

I am on the shores of one of New Zealand’s popular waters and the population looks promising. Despite the elbowing because of hundreds of anglers who have come to sport fish, everyone seems to be having so much fun. ‘’What is Drag Net Fishing?’’ I overhear a middle-aged guy holding one of the latest combos …

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Why do Trout Jump out of the Water? – 11 Reasons

Why do trout jump out of the water? A trout jumping

One of the most common questions asked by anglers is why do trout jump out of the water? Trout are anadromous fish, which means they migrate from saltwater to freshwater rivers. This migration often includes swimming upstream and jumping out of the water in order to catch insects that fly over them. However, there are …

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What is Snagging Fish – Why it is Illegal Info for 50 States

Fishing hook used for snagging fish close up

There will be days when fishing gets extremely tough, so much so that you can swear to do anything just to make it happen. But how far can you go that is still acceptable? I believe we can agree to the reality that fishing is not always an easy hobby, especially when fishes seem allergic …

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How Fishing Affects Coral Reefs and What We Can Do About it

several clown fish swimming and wondering how fishing affects coral reefs :)

Balance and sustainability are essential for quality existence. Nature’s ecosystems are at risk today because of the unchecked use and abuse of its natural resources. Fishing has been a source of livelihood and sustenance for centuries. However, today, the drawbacks of commercial fishing have become a significant threat to marine life, especially coral reefs.   …

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Fishing vs. Hunting – 10 Reasons Why Fishing is Better

Fishing vs. Hunting - a fishing rod and reel and a gun and knife

My uncle is a great fisherman. At least, that is what I initially thought when I was young. Later I learned he was only a fishing enthusiast. Fishing is an activity that many people enjoy. Hunting is another such activity. Regardless, if you are looking at fishing vs. hunting, both give thrill and a fantastic …

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