Sustainable Fishing Habits

For many anglers, getting outside and enjoying nature is one of the best parts of fishing, along with catching fish. However, too often fisherman and fisherwomen come across trash, refuse, and other waste that despoils the beautiful nature settings we crave. Here is how to do your part to keep our nation's waterways and park pristine, perfect for memorable angling.

Fishing Line
Just about every single time I go fishing, I run across piles of fishing line left by some idiot angler. I understand if your line snags and you can't bring it in, but please, don't just leave extra line on the shore or in the water. It's crazy how many anglers don't even think twice about leaving their spare or used monofilament or fluorocarbon on the shoreline, as they re-rig or re-spool their setups. Always, always pick up your trash line and either throw it away or pack it out with you. Junk line makes all anglers look bad to non-anglers, leaves fishing spots trashed, and is a hazard to wildlife. Clean it up!

Bait Cartons
The bait and wait fishing crowd is especially guilty of this one-leaving their empty nightcrawler, worm and other bait boxes, usually made out of foam, on the shore. These look absolutely awful, really adding an aura of "trashiness" to any previously nice fishing spot. Seriously, folks, clean these up! I try to make it a habit of bringing an extra bag with me and cleaning up any leftover bait containers while fishing. Consider buying the biodegradable bait containers found at Bass Pro Shops and other forward-thinking organizations, or, even easier-just cleaning up after yourself! We all share the outdoors, it's not your bedroom!

Dead Fish
If you catch a fish, and it's obvious that it won't survive, than pack it out! Eat it, or dispose of it in a legal manner. Do not just leave the fish lying on the shore. You'll make anglers look like a load of bloodthirsty, angry idiots and stink up the place for anyone else wanting to fish that location. It doesn't matter if you happen to hook a species that you happen to personally hate-don't ever think that leaving one on the shore, or floating next to the boat docks is a great way to get rid of it. Many states have laws against wasting fish, don't end up on the wrong side of the law or of your fellow anglers. Clean it up!