Conservation and Salt Water Fishing

There was a time I believed the word conservation was over rated. Then, right before my eyes, I saw a forest die from a little beetle and suddenly realized that everything makes a difference. Much of conservation is taken care of by simply following the rules and regulations that are listed in fishing proclamations. For example, if we need more mature fish is a particular species, there will be new size limits put on fish that you can take home. The number of fish are limited to ensure healthy schools and species sets. Fishing seasons are set so that spawning and migration can take place. So the first rule of conservation is simply obey the law.

Take some time to visit a fish hatchery. It important to take your children and learn together all you can about fish and the industry. Education instead of ignorance is a blessing. The tours are free and information is broad enough to teach you about all fish.

The next rule is respect. Don't just toss something over the side of the boat or throw it off the end the of the pier. Even your broken lines and lost hooks are pollution. Do everything you can to leave no footprints on the sea floor to prove you were there. We are visitors in their home.

Report problems you see. No one enjoys being a tattle tale, but if you see problems they need to be reported. Think of the generations to come and let the authorities do their job. The grand children who thank you may be your own.

Learn the techniques involved in catch and release fishing. Make sure you are using the right equipment to give the fish the best chance of survival after you have returned him to the sea. Fish have a protective covering and every time you touch them you wear away at their natural defenses. Hooks are better left in the fish if you are going to severely damage the fish just trying to get it out. Many of us have caught fish and seen that they have been caught and released before.

If you must net a fish use a cotton net to prevent injury. Knotted nets are abrasive and hard on the fish. It's best if you can keep the fish in the water during the release process.

When a fish is fighting he builds up lactic acid in system, much like what happens to us when we over due exercises and get stiff muscles. You don't want to fight a fish so hard that he has no chance of survival after the fight. They bruise easily and this with the extra lactic acid can be an impossible situation for a fish.

Conservations comes down to paying attention and common sense. Do both and sport fishing will be around for a good long time.