In this day and age anglers should be more conscientious than ever about how we impact our finite natural resources. With the explosion of the popularity of fishing, there is a fine balance that has to be maintained by anglers to preserve our unique sport fisheries.
As a guide on the Chattahoochee River north and south of the major city of Atlanta, I am in the business of exploiting the river. But at the same time I must be a steward of the resource. Guides should consider themselves ambassadors for their waters who introduce countless people to their great sport fishery, but at the same time we risk adding fishing pressure.
I have guided fishing trips for trout, bass and carp since 1994 using both bait and artificial lures or flies. There is no doubt in my mind that by using bait there is a much higher risk of mortality on the fish compared to artificial fishing practices. For some species and fisheries, bait is necessary, but since 1997 I have upheld a personal commitment to guide strictly artificial after seeing the negative impacts on our precious sport fish. Living by example as a guide and angler will hopefully send a message to future anglers. Giving the fish an edge will make each catch more rewarding and help to preserve more fish which are released intact for the next angler.
Chris Scalley is the owner of River Through Atlanta Guide Service. See their website at riverthroughatlanta.com.
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