Anglers in Germany: Catch and Release could be expensive!

Anglers in Germany: Catch and Release could be expensive!

In Germany, fishing using the “catch and release” method causes heated discussions. With this approach, anglers catch fish, perhaps proudly display them with a photo, and then release them back into the water. What appears to be a harmless leisure activity is, however, legally sensitive and can even be considered a criminal offense. Northern Courier reports that such a practice violates the law, especially when there is no intention to exploit it. Olaf Lindner, spokesman for the German Angling Association, emphasizes that the courts have already dealt with numerous complaints in this context.

Although many anglers understand the risks, catch and release remains popular in the community. One problem here is the different fishing laws in the 16 German federal states, which can cause confusion. In plain language this means: What is legal in one federal state may be regulated completely differently in the next. An example is that in certain exceptions, such as when fish are too small or during closed seasons, resetting is permitted. However, in these cases, anglers must ensure that the fish are treated gently.

Animal welfare and social opinions

The discussion about animal welfare plays a central role in the debate. Quite a few critics consider “catch and release” to be animal cruelty, as the stress that the fish experience during capture should not be underestimated. Renowned organizations such as PETA are also vehemently expressing their concerns. Ingo Kramer, fisheries biologist at the Baden-Württemberg State Fisheries Association, agrees with PETA and explains that the action violates fishing law because anglers are only allowed to catch fish for their own consumption.

Additionally, an analysis of fish results shows that mortality rates of released fish vary greatly. Research reports that, for example, 27.5% of walleye die, while carp only have a mortality rate of 3.3%. The choice of hook and bait significantly affects the survival of the fish caught. A barbless hook and careful handling throughout the entire fishing process could increase the fish's chances of survival.

Legal framework and international comparisons

The international comparison is also exciting: in neighboring countries such as Denmark and Sweden, releasing fish is encouraged, while in Norway “catch and release” is only permitted in special cases. In Italy, however, resetting is widespread. In Austria, on the other hand, the regulations do not have a uniform status, which makes the issue even more complicated.

The changing values ​​within the fishing community are also reflected in the increasing popularity of “catch and release”. Nevertheless, the legal gray area remains a challenge, and social opinion in particular is increasingly leaning towards protecting animal welfare. The legal uncertainty means that some anglers who release fish now have to fear legal consequences. An example is an angler who was taken to court for this practice and had to pay a fine of 1,000 euros, although the case against him was ultimately dropped.

Amid all these discussions, one thing is clear: the practice of “catch and release” remains a controversial topic for anglers in Germany that goes far beyond mere recreational activity.