Golden dorado (Salminus brasiliensis, Cuvier, 1816) is increasing in popularity as a target for recreational anglers practicing catch-and-release (C&R) in northern Argentina and bordering countries. However, to date no research has looked at the potential social and ecological implications of growth in this recreational fishery. The first manuscript of this thesis assessed the consequences of C&R on golden dorado captured by anglers on the Juramento River in Salta, Argentina. This evaluation examined physical injury, physiological stress, reflex impairment, and short term post-release behavior to develop a clear set of evidence-based best practices for C&R. In addition, the Juramento River has limited resources for formal enforcement of angling practices. Consequently, the second manuscript of this thesis surveyed the social-ecological factors that predict anglers’ willingness to play important sanctioning roles (i.e. self-policing) to improve best practices adoption. We obtained results that showed a combination of intrinsic values, demographics, and fishing practices predicted anglers’ willingness to to sanction others. Taken together, the two body chapters of this thesis highlight the important role of addressing both ecological and social barriers to conservation in C&R fisheries.