Do Carbonated Beverages Reduce Bleeding from Gill Injuries in Angled Northern Pike?

The premise of catch-and-release recreational angling is that postrelease survival high. Therefore, it common for anglers, management agencies, and conservation organizations to share information on handling practices other strategies are believed improve the welfare fish released. A recent surge in popularity has sensationalized use carbonated beverages treat bleeding fish—an intervention purported stop but yet be validated scientifically. We captured Northern Pike Esox lucius via hook line experimentally injured their gills a standardized manner. Gill injuries were treated with Mountain Dew, Coca-Cola, or lake water. duration intensity as well overall blood loss (using gill color proxy) observed while held water bath. As control, we used group did not have liquid poured over before observation period. All treatments control conducted at two different temperatures (11–18°C 24–27°C) determine whether effects pouring seasonally dependent. When compared found increased regardless type beverage this study, there was no effect season. Use chilled versus ambient-temperature similarly had influence outcomes. such, scientific evidence support reducing stopping receive during based context studied here. Our study reinforces need scientifically test angler anecdotes theories regarding best fishing.