08/24/2025
The latest issue of FlyFisher is here—and with it, an important read for every conservation-minded angler. In The Next Generation of Catch and Release, author Tom Logan introduces FFI’s new initiative, “Handle Fish Safely for Soft Release,” a timely and science-based approach to reducing post-release mortality and improving the survival of the fish we treasure.
As fly fishers, we’ve long embraced the ethics of catch and release, but this article invites us to go further. Logan outlines the simple, effective techniques that all anglers can adopt to make a measurable difference—from minimizing air exposure and using barbless hooks to proper fish handling and photography practices. It’s a must-read for those ready to take the next step in personal conservation.
We encourage you not only to read the article but also to share it widely with your fishing community. Together, we can raise awareness and support a new standard for responsible angling. Let’s commit to handling fish safely, releasing them softly, and preserving the future of our fisheries for generations to come.
Read the full article and explore the initiative at:
https://www.flyfishersinternational.org/Conservation/Ethos/Soft-Release
