No-kill fishing gear

Catching and releasing: the no-kill principle

No-kill, or catch and release fishing, means releasing the fish alive after capture. It is the rule in carp fishing and is spreading among anglers targeting predators and trout. In France, a carp caught at night cannot be kept or transported: it must return to the water. Some no-kill stretches, marked along the water's edge, also require releasing all catches and often use barbless hooks. The aim is for the fish to swim away quickly and without harm, highlighting the importance of gear that reduces stress and injuries.

Other equipment

Fishing gear also comes in different types:

• Electronics.
• Luggage.
• Bivouac.
• Bivvy and umbrellas.
• Comfort.
• Transport.

All equipment is available on the equipment page.

Soft mesh or latex landing net: catch without harm

The landing net is the first contact between the angler and their catch. A fine and flexible mesh, like the Fox Eos-X, doesn’t rip scales or damage fins, unlike old knotted meshes. The latex Preston head goes a step further: waterproof and smooth, it preserves the mucus, and the hook doesn’t get caught in it, which avoids untangling the net while the fish waits. The fish is then kept in the submerged net while preparing the wet retaining mat. The Trakker Sanctuary gear is designed with fish care in mind.

Disgorger and good practices for quick unhooking

The disgorger removes the hook in seconds, even when it's deep in the mouth. The WaterQueen Luxe and the Guru QM1, fine and precise, are suitable for small fish during pole fishing, which can be unhooked without taking them out of the hand. Before touching a fish, wash your hands to avoid removing the mucus that protects it from infections. Hold it close to the ground, over the mat, and never by the gills. A barbless hook or a flattened barb is removed in one motion. Finally, release the fish facing the current, supporting it until it swims away by itself.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in good plans, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. Key events of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year celebrations, winter sales, spring French Days, followed by summer sales and back-to-school time.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean to fish in no-kill?

No-kill means releasing the fish alive after capture, while minimizing its stress and injuries. It is mandatory on certain dedicated stretches and widely practiced in carp and predator fishing.

Does the fish suffer in no-kill?

Capturing does cause stress, but a short fight, wet hands, a soft net, and a quick release greatly reduce any lasting effects. The key is to keep the fish out of the water for as short a time as possible.

How do you photograph a fish before releasing it?

Prepare the camera before taking the fish out of the water, wet your hands, hold it low above the mat, and take the photo in a few seconds. Spray it with water if the session takes longer.

What if the fish has swallowed the hook?

If the hook is too deep to be removed without damage, cut the line as close as possible instead of forcing it. A fine hook, especially without a barb, is often expelled or degrades over time, and the fish survives better than if it’s ripped out.

What is a no-kill stretch?

It is a section of river or body of water where all catches must be released, often using barbless hooks. These stretches, managed by fishing associations, are marked by signs and detailed in local regulations.