Catch and Release Fishing

The pond at Morris Memorial Pool is not only home to ducks, but also acts as a great place to participate in Catch & Release Fishing. Morris Pond is a part of the regional water retention system that helps with flood waters during heavy rainfall. 

We ask that everyone fishing in the pond please follow the below rules to ensure the safety and health of the fish in our pond. Tag us with your big catch @ElginTXParks. 

How to Begin:

  • Set the hook quickly to reduce likelihood that fish will swallow the bait.
  • Play and land fish as quickly as possible. Playing fish to exhaustion can harm the fish.
  • Consider using barbless hooks.
  • Keep your release tools close by.

Handling Your Catch: Proper handling protects both you and the fish.

  • Minimize the time fish is out of the water - no longer than you can hold your breath.
  • Leave fish in the water if you can and use a tool to remove the hook.
  • Keep the fish from thrashing without using a net. 
  • Avoid removing the slime/mucus layer, which protects fish from parasites and infections.
  • Try to keep fish off the ground.
  • Use a wet rag or glove, or wet hands before handling fish.
  • Turn fish on its back and cover its eyes to calm it.
  • Don't put your fingers in the eyes or gills.
  • Smaller fish (< 5 pounds) can be vertically held by the lower jaw, either by hand or with grippers. Hold larger fish horizontally and support with two hands.
Catch and release only
Release Fish

Removing the Hook:

  • Use needle-nose pliers, hemostats, or a hook remover to remove the hook and protect your hands.
  • Back the hook out the opposite way it went in.
  • Do not jerk or pop a leader to break it. This can injure vital organs in the fish.

Letting it go:

  • Place fish in the water, gently supporting the mid-section and tail until it swims away.
  • Resuscitate an exhausted fish by moving it or facing it into the current, gently forcing water into the mouth and over the gills.
  • Watch the fish when released. If it doesn't swim away, recover it and try again.