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Angling Ethics
Over 400,000
anglers enjoy fishing on lakes, rivers, and streams throughout
British Columbia. The popularity that recreational freshwater
fishing enjoys may compromise not only the experience anglers are
seeking, but also contribute to decline of some fish stocks,
impact fish habitat and increaseconflicts between anglers.
The need for some common standard for recreational fishing practices led
the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection to publish its
first code ofangling ethics and etiquette two years ago. This
year, we have enhanced thecode by incorporating suggestions from
our readers. We seek your support forthis code to help ensure
everyone enjoys their fishing experience andminimizes their impact
on our natural resources.
Respect fish and treat them humanely. Keep fish immersed in water until
you identify the species and its size. Help Ministry of Water,
Land and AirProtection look after our fisheries by limiting your
catch to your needs andnever exceeding the legal limit. "Let them
go, let them grow," and practice catch and release" when
appropriate or required.
Protect the environment. Each aquatic ecosystem is complex and unique.
Prevent transfer of aquatic species or weeds from one water body to
another.
Never contaminate water bodies or shorelines with litter. For tips about
how to dispose of fish wastes properly, see Angling Tips in Bear
Country.
Practise courtesy toward other anglers and respect their rights. Share
the
water with other users. Practise good angling etiquette by: moving
around a water body in patterns appropriate to your gear and local
conditions;
when in a boat give a wide berth to wading anglers, other boaters
and
swimmers; leaving adequate room between other anglers and
yourself, especially flyfishers.
Respect public and private property. Always ask permission before
entering private property, including Indian Reserve land. Leave
natural areas as you found them, keep campsites clean and be
careful with campfires.
Support fishing regulations and obey the law. Regulations are set to
manage fisheries now and for the future and are based on the best
scientific advice available. Acquaint yourself with daily quotas,
size and possession limits, tackle and bait restrictions, and
seasonal closures.
Use the Observe, Record, Report hotline to report violations
1-800-663-WILD (9453): We can all help ensure that those who break
the law do not spoil future angling opportunities for everyone.
For more information, see Observe Record, Report.
For more information on angling practices on specific waters, you may
wish to contact a local angling club or tackle shop.
– MELP
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The Steelheader is
a Canadian outdoors and sport fishing publication in tabloid form
live on newpaper stands and here on the internet devoted to all
forms of sport fishing and outdoors in British Columbia and other
parts of the world. The Steelheader is a well known award winning
publication and has subscribers throughout North America.
Subscription to the Steelheader Tabloid is available to overseas
areas upon request as well-- See www.steelheadermag.com/subscription
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"Conserve
our environment and fish"
Terry Hanson
Editor-in-Chief
Steelheader Salmon and Trout News
The Steelheader, P.O. BOX 434,
Chilliwack, B.C. Canada, V2P 6J7
Phone/Fax: 604.792.1952
bcnews_today@hotmail.com
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