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