By Bob Wattendorf, Fish-Busters Bulletin
Angling ethics is really a matter of common sense and courtesy. However, since it contributes to every angler’s safety, success and enjoyment today, and to the future of our sport, it should be of true concern to everyone who casts a lure or wets a bait.
Conservation agencies, such as your Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), fishing guides, tourism destinations, marinas, tackle shops, anglers and boaters all play roles in making fishing more fun and satisfying for everyone on the water. They share an abiding love for aquatic resources and the conservation stewardship ethic that helps keep our natural resources pristine.
This checklist of ethical angling practices provides a starting point to make fishing more enjoyable, safe and sustainable for everyone, including future generations.
An ethical angler:
- Promotes, through example and mentoring, an ethical use of aquatic resources.
- Values and respects the aquatic environment and all living things. Treats other anglers, boaters and property owners with courtesy and respect, including removing boat trailers promptly from active launching areas, watching wakes around other boaters, and providing adequate fishing space to anglers already on the fishing spot.
- Avoids spilling and never dumps pollutants, such as gas or oil. Appropriately disposes of trash, including worn lines, leaders and hooks. Recycles whenever possible and keeps fishing sites litter-free.
- Purchases required fishing licenses and permits. If you are exempt, you may still purchase a license to contribute directly to conservation. All fishing license dollars go to the FWC – and bring in matching federal funds to Florida for Sport Fish Restoration (See MyFWC.com/License.)
- Learns and obeys angling and boating regulations and can identify local fish to adhere to the rules.
- Keeps no more fish than needed for consumption, and never wastefully discards fish, while complying with the law. Carefully handles and releases alive all fish that are unwanted or illegal to keep. Uses tackle and techniques that minimize harm to fish when catch-and-release angling is required (see below for details).
- Takes precautionary measures to prevent the spread of exotic plants and animals and does not use diseased or nonnative baits.
- Participates in conservation efforts such as river cleanups, vegetation transplanting, tagging studies and creel surveys. • Practices safe angling and boating by following the laws and using commonsense practices to prevent injury to himself, others or property.
- Protects the environment from damage caused by careless boat operation, including prop-scouring of vegetation, wake damage to shorelines, power-loading problems at ramps, anchoring on reefs and striking animals such as manatees or sturgeons.
- Conserves energy and water on a daily basis, knowing it affects local fish and wildlife.
Remember, instant fishing licenses are available at MyFWC.com/License or by calling 888-FISH-FLORIDA (347-4356). For more information, visit MyFWC.com/ Fishing.