GenerationFly

Peace, quiet, relaxation and enjoyment are often the motives for why we love to fly fish.  It is a time to escape the stresses of our occupied lives by experiencing nature, and taking a little “personal” time doing what we highly value.  Fly fishing etiquette is an important issue if we wish to preserve the pure serenity and satisfaction that our favorite waters habitually provide.  Etiquette is about ethics, so be aware that your actions regularly affect those who surround you.  Here are some quick tips to help keep the waters we fish a more pleasant place to visit.

Know Your Surroundings

• Give other fishermen plenty of space. There is plenty of water out there.
• Stay clear of other fishermen’s water. Especially the banks. Don’t want to scare those wary fish.
• Do not cross a stream or river directly upstream of others.  Dirty water is not a pleasant visual.
• Keep noise to a minimum.  Loud radios, barking dogs and vulgar language are a buzz kill.  But, if you catch a fish, feel free to celebrate as loudly as you want, you deserve it.

Care For The Fish

• Wet your hands and net before handling a fish.  That slime acts as the fish’s   immune system and dry surfaces often eliminate it from their scales.
• Be aware of spawning areas.  We want to protect the next generation of natives.
• Know the water temperature.  If the water you are fishing reaches around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, stop fishing. Excessive lactic acid kills!
• Barbless hooks are a good idea.  They are for unconfident retrievers anyways.

Follow The Regulations

• Every body of water has specific fishing regulations. Make sure you obey them.
• Know where private and public waters meet.  Trespassing is expensive.
• Be careful of bait and scented lures, for they are restricted on numerous rivers.
• Catch fish with your pole, not your net. Seriously, I’ve seen it.

Leave No Trace

• If you pack it in, pack it out!  Even if you didn’t pack it in, do the world a favor.
• Do not litter! Tippet, leaders and beer cans can really add up.
• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.  Clean your gear before entering a different body of water, no matter the distance.
• Catch-and-Release.  I prefer to catch a fish twice rather than eat it once. (personal preference)

Following these simple fishing etiquettes will help improve the overall appearance, health and wellbeing of the rivers and lakes we resort to for tranquility and enjoyment.  And who knows, good etiquette could lead to meeting a new friend, receiving a helpful tip, or simply getting offered a beer in the parking lot.  Let’s carry on the fly fishing etiquette and make it a tradition for future generations.  Remember, we represent our sport, so let’s make a good impression.