According to research, 90% of fish caught on flies and lures survive being caught and released...but that's dependent on many factors. Personally, as much as I like playing a fish, I usually try to land it as quick as possible before I end up losing it lol. I currently use an 8wt rod when I'm fishing the Red Deer River since there is also the possibility of large pike and walleye although usually I'm just catching goldeye.