| Reasonable people will readily agree that Life is a | | | | not blessed with the legacy of a fishing family, they |
| series of choices. We hope (and pray) that making | | | | just need some proper instruction and enlightenment. |
| good decisions will come more naturally as we mature | | | | So when in doubt, ask for help. Take lessons, observe |
| and grow older. In conjunction with these concepts, | | | | others or contact your lake's Pond Association - they |
| most individuals acknowledge that as adults, "we are | | | | are a great source of information. Good manners |
| personally accountable for the results of those | | | | need to be learned, no matter where you find yourself. |
| judgements"; an idea that some people have difficulty | | | | Common sense, while obvious to most, is not so for all. |
| accepting. | | | | Fishing's informal principles include, but are not limited to: |
| Being a fisherman is definitely a hugely, conscious | | | | * Treat fish with care; learn the principles of Catch & |
| decision. For some, "To Fish or Not To Fish" is never a | | | | Release. |
| consideration for the true angler. After all, a | | | | * Show respect for other people's property. |
| considerable investment of time, money and resources | | | | * Show respect for the environment; bring your own |
| are required for the self-sufficient, stand-alone angler. | | | | litter home with you; pick up other people's trash (and |
| As your fishing budget grows, the number of "required" | | | | set an example). |
| items increases significantly. A typical inventory can | | | | * Don't disturb wildlife; for example, in Maine, human |
| include: | | | | destruction of a loon's nest is a state offense. |
| * Boat, Engine, Spare Prop(s), Trailer, Towing Vehicle | | | | * Keep a respectable distance from other fishermen; |
| and state registration of said items. | | | | don't cross or drive over the lines of others; Give other |
| * Fishing License, Rods and Reels (plus spare parts). | | | | anglers (and boaters) a wide berth. |
| * Tackle Box, Spools of Filament (of various | | | | * Don't bring blaring radios; if you must have one, then |
| thicknesses), Fishing Tackle (broken down by Fish | | | | bring headphones. |
| Species), Bobbers, Weights, Hooks and Leaders. | | | | * Learn the State's boating laws. |
| * Fishing Knives, Nets, Bait and other Sundry Stuff. | | | | * Learn about the rights of property owners when |
| * Exotic gadgets such as Trolling Motors and Depth | | | | accessing great waters by foot. |
| Finders. | | | | * Sharing fishing techniques. |
| * Food, Beverages, Trashbags, Gasoline, Oil, Parking, | | | | * Understand breeding patterns of applicable species; |
| Membership and Access Fees. | | | | return spawning fish back to the water. |
| This is a fair amount of planning and we have yet to | | | | * When applicable, give your fishing partner every |
| reach the water. Then there is the challenge of | | | | opportunity to catch fish, just as you would expect him |
| allocating quality time without negatively impacting | | | | to give you the same opportunity if you were in the |
| personal duties of church, family and work | | | | back of his boat. |
| commitments. The complications of scheduling time | | | | * If someone signals for emergency assistance, then |
| may increase (exponentially) as one adds fishing | | | | respond immediately. The fish can wait - Someday |
| companions. As one famous fisherman quipped, "If | | | | you may need directional help or a tow. |
| your job interferes with your ability to fish, then quit | | | | * Beware of what is going on; check weather forcasts |
| your job." An ideal that many fishers strive for today | | | | in advance. |
| while others fall short. | | | | * Do not spill gasoline, oil or other pollutants on land or |
| So after this lengthy introduction, you're probably | | | | into the water. |
| wondering "what is your point"? I'm glad you asked. | | | | * Observe your speed, wake and wash, while keeping |
| Obviously, being a fisherman is not unqiue - for there | | | | a safe distance from jetties, water/shore-based |
| are many, many people who enjoy this activity. The | | | | anglers and other watercrafts. |
| types of fishermen can be divided into three basic | | | | * Mobile Phones are great for emergencies, but keep |
| categories: | | | | them turned off while fishing. |
| ** People who fish from "a Boat". | | | | * It is also against the law to drink alcohol in most |
| ** People who fish from "the water". | | | | fishing boats. |
| ** People who fish from "the shore". | | | | * Report environmental damage and pollution to the |
| Regardless of which category you place yourself, the | | | | relevant (state and local) authorities. |
| idea of "Personal Conduct" must be included. An | | | | * Your actions should always be governed by what is |
| investment of fishing gear does not give one | | | | right - BOTH ethically and legally. |
| "exclusive rights" to a fishing hole. The idea of "sharing" | | | | * These ideals are for ALL fishermen; gender, youth or |
| is a lifelong concept; so accept it and move on. (In | | | | old age are not acceptable excuses. Be polite when |
| some areas, if you're not cognizant of this ideal, there | | | | attempting to teach less skilled anglers. |
| are people who will inflict bodily harm as a reminder. | | | | As a final thought, here is a quote from Baba Dioum: |
| And for those who are unsure, I'm not from the school | | | | ** ln the end, we will conserve only what we love. |
| of "might" makes "right". Perhaps one day I'll add the | | | | ** We love only what we understand. |
| "Game Warden" to my cell phone list, should the need | | | | ** We will understand only what we are taught. |
| become apparent.) | | | | Please note: This list is not all inclusive; learn to use |
| For the genuine fisherman, a "Code of Conduct" is | | | | your brain for something other than a seat cushion. |
| automatic and second nature. For others, who were | | | | Additional suggestions are welcomed. |