Post by stealthfisher on Mar 14, 2011 18:17:29 GMT -6
I've been fishing what seems like a long time. One thing I'm glad about is that an old friend turned me onto fishing and taught me early on about fishing etiquette. Lately I have noticed on different waters, a lack of fishing etiquette from people, and not just young people, but folks of all ages. The sad thing is that most of these people aren't even aware of their poor etiquette.
I'll go out of my way to give people around me enough space, even if it means missing out on a good spot.
I try to keep noise to a minimum.
I try to be as courteous and respectful as possible.
When fishing I never leave trash behind, including discarded line, old hooks and bait. ( this one really bothers me!)
I practice conservation and use proper release methods.
I obtain permission from landowners and never trespass on private lands or waters
I watch My speed and wake and keep a safe distance from shore based anglers, and other boats.
I observe all operator and safety regulations.
Always give way to an angler with a fish on the line.
I do My best to educate new participants about fishing ethics. ( I think this is where it all starts)
In others words I feel we all can lead by example.
Recently I was fishing on my kayak when a couple of guys who were fishing on the opposite side of a lake from me, saw me catch a couple of nice fish, and crossed over and kind of jumped in front of me. The older gentlemen cast about three feet in front of me and hooked a nice Bass. He was so excited, weighing, taking pics, that I shrugged it off and decided to move further ahead as to get out of their way. The next thing I know these guys drifted right up on me and jumped in front of me again, like nothing was wrong. I politely mentioned that it was a big lake, which got lost in translation to them. I had to explain to them that they didn't need to fish 2 feet from me the whole day and keep jumping ahead to the next spot. Both of these guys were old enough to know better. I moved further ahead and stopped short of a bridge which I thought may be holding fish underneath. I made a cast only to have these guys cruise right through, and over my line, on their merry way. The icing on the cake was at that moment the younger of the two finished his beer and threw the can right in the water. At this point, needless to say, I lost it. Here I am, trying to relax and get up and close to nature and these Yahoos are in total disregard for any kind of manners. After a severe tongue lashing I proceded to the ramp, got out of the water and I haven't been back to the spot since. My loss! I'm a peaceful man but fishing should never bring two individuals to blows.
Sorry for being longwinded, but for all of us to enjoy ourselves, we need to make sure we learn and use proper etiquette and manners.
I'll go out of my way to give people around me enough space, even if it means missing out on a good spot.
I try to keep noise to a minimum.
I try to be as courteous and respectful as possible.
When fishing I never leave trash behind, including discarded line, old hooks and bait. ( this one really bothers me!)
I practice conservation and use proper release methods.
I obtain permission from landowners and never trespass on private lands or waters
I watch My speed and wake and keep a safe distance from shore based anglers, and other boats.
I observe all operator and safety regulations.
Always give way to an angler with a fish on the line.
I do My best to educate new participants about fishing ethics. ( I think this is where it all starts)
In others words I feel we all can lead by example.
Recently I was fishing on my kayak when a couple of guys who were fishing on the opposite side of a lake from me, saw me catch a couple of nice fish, and crossed over and kind of jumped in front of me. The older gentlemen cast about three feet in front of me and hooked a nice Bass. He was so excited, weighing, taking pics, that I shrugged it off and decided to move further ahead as to get out of their way. The next thing I know these guys drifted right up on me and jumped in front of me again, like nothing was wrong. I politely mentioned that it was a big lake, which got lost in translation to them. I had to explain to them that they didn't need to fish 2 feet from me the whole day and keep jumping ahead to the next spot. Both of these guys were old enough to know better. I moved further ahead and stopped short of a bridge which I thought may be holding fish underneath. I made a cast only to have these guys cruise right through, and over my line, on their merry way. The icing on the cake was at that moment the younger of the two finished his beer and threw the can right in the water. At this point, needless to say, I lost it. Here I am, trying to relax and get up and close to nature and these Yahoos are in total disregard for any kind of manners. After a severe tongue lashing I proceded to the ramp, got out of the water and I haven't been back to the spot since. My loss! I'm a peaceful man but fishing should never bring two individuals to blows.
Sorry for being longwinded, but for all of us to enjoy ourselves, we need to make sure we learn and use proper etiquette and manners.
