Fishing Ethics And Etiquette

Clint

Fishing Is A Sport

Every sport has a set of rules to abide by and fishing is no different. When it comes to fishing, there are a few common courtesies that every fisherman should follow. If you don’t have the best memory, like myself, they can all be boiled down to the “golden rule”-simply treat others how you yourself would want to be treated.

It’s easy to practice fishing ethics and etiquette. Here are a few guidelines to remember next time you cast your line.

Before You Catch A Big One

Be sure you have a valid fishing license. There are separate licenses for freshwater and saltwater fishing, so double check that you’re carrying the right one. You should also be familiar with the types of fish you should expect to catch as well as your daily limit. Regulations can change frequently so check with your state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Regulation Guide as a reference.

Conserve Fish

Practice Catch and Release. Only keep as many fish as legally allowed and don’t take more than you can eat. If you are not going to keep the fish you catch, gently place them back into the water as quickly as possible.

Be Considerate Of Others

Don’t run over someone’s fishing lines with your boat.
Share bait. If you’re done fishing and have live bait, offer it to a closeby fisherman.
Don’t get too close to another fisherman if they’re already working on a specific spot.
Treat other fishermen how you yourself would want to be treated.
Keep the noise down when near the shore and around other anglers.

Respect The Environment

Dispose of trash properly including fishing line, hooks, and bait. Never leave it on the ground or throw it in the water.
Report pollution or damage to the environment to the appropriate authorities.
Don’t let oil or gasoline spill into the water, not even a little.
Leave your fishing spot cleaner than how it was when you arrived.