The basic do’s and don’ts of responsible fishing

Fishing etiquette can be defined as a largely unwritten body of rules to apply during the sport or hobby, all of them reflecting respect on the water. Generally, good fishing respects other anglers, the water, and the traditions upheld by previous generations of anglers to treat the water and its precious resources right. Here are some do’s and don’ts to remember.

DO leave no trace

Minimize your presence while fishing. You can do this by not littering as well as by preventing damage to the waters and policing your used plastics and line. Leave the natural habitat alone, such as not giving in to the temptation of cutting branches off a dead tree to access new water.

DO check with nearby anglers

Let’s say you are dying to fish in a certain spot and there’s another angling doing his business nearby. Slow down and politely ask permission, such as asking if you can fish a stump row for a few minutes. If they say no, thank them anyway. Hit the brush pile another time.

DO fish with a purpose and heart

Always respect private property. Use steel split shot instead of lead, which will be better for the environment. Never filter especially with mono-filament lines, which can get birds and other creatures tangled up.

DON’T go unprepared

Always carry a first aid it, and let someone back home know where you’re going. Wear good felted sole wading boots with ankle support, particularly because stream and river beds can get quite slippery. Clean and dry your boots and gear between trips to prevent transmission of invasive species.

DON’T neglect your fish

Take care of your fish. Catch and release whenever possible – don’t keep fish you’re not going to eat. When in a tournament setting, take care of your fish to minimize the time they spend out of the water. Employ a quality landing net to avoid damaging their slime coat.

Anouk Govil is a biology major attending California State University Channel Islands. Three of my favorite aquatic activities include surfing, kayaking, and fishing, and I can be found doing one of these three things during my weekend respites. Read more on this page.