No one will argue the intent of catch-and-release fishing. To enjoy the thrill of landing a fish and then successfully releasing it to live another day and possibly providing an opportunity for the next angler.

While the intentions are noble, there’s much more to consider for the full intent of catch-and-release. Especially this time of year.

One consideration is called barotrauma. This is when a fish’s swim bladder balloons as it’s reeled up from the deep. During the dog days of summer when hot air temperatures create warm water and fish are more likely hanging out in deeper water, the science and biology behind successful catch-and-release is much more involved.

Scott Gangl, Game and Fish Department fisheries management section leader, relates a common scenario. “In Lake Sakakawea lat

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