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