Hi all,
TL/DR: What are some of the unwritten rules and/or guidelines you expect anglers to follow?
I was thinking about someone's comment on my last fishing trip ("most of us catch and release bass, but don't care about dead pickerel")-- and I realized there are probably all sorts of unwritten rules/ thoughts on fishing etiquette. (Like, "Don't catch up all of the small but keepable bass"...is that a rule of sorts?) I'd hate to be a terrible person off the bat, but I don't quite know how to learn these things without asking. So, I'm asking: What do you expect of your fellow anglers? What are some general suggestions for good fishing practices?
For instance-- I'm sure it's a no-brainer for people to clean up after themselves, to keep the water and shore clean.
Also, after my latest trip I've learned that just because a fish is a keeper, doesn't mean you should take it.... (pickerel ARE bony....)
TL/DR: What are some of the unwritten rules and/or guidelines you expect anglers to follow?
I was thinking about someone's comment on my last fishing trip ("most of us catch and release bass, but don't care about dead pickerel")-- and I realized there are probably all sorts of unwritten rules/ thoughts on fishing etiquette. (Like, "Don't catch up all of the small but keepable bass"...is that a rule of sorts?) I'd hate to be a terrible person off the bat, but I don't quite know how to learn these things without asking. So, I'm asking: What do you expect of your fellow anglers? What are some general suggestions for good fishing practices?
For instance-- I'm sure it's a no-brainer for people to clean up after themselves, to keep the water and shore clean.
Also, after my latest trip I've learned that just because a fish is a keeper, doesn't mean you should take it.... (pickerel ARE bony....)
You're gonna think I'm a stalker or something lol. I swear I'm not. I just check in here a lot and can't keep my mouth shut. Most of the unwritten rules are common sense like don't fish right next to somebody that's already at a spot. In regards to keeping fish there are laws. Can't keep a bass under 12 inches for instance. If you have a license it's your right to keep 5 bass over 12. Most of us prefer you to keep the small ones and let the big ones go to be caught another day. As far as other species go I'm not positive what the rules are. If you plan on eating them I hear the panfish are the best. Perch, crappie and bluegill. That stuff can be looked up on mass.gov
I'm not worried, Shawn. I figured you're just here all the time. If you turn up at my museum, then I'd get concerned 
I've been very thorough about learning the official laws and regulations... (I have a binder. I am a nerd.) But the other stuff, like letting the big ones go, is kind of what I'm after. The general courtesy type things.
Maybe I'll put together a list of people's suggestions.
I've been very thorough about learning the official laws and regulations... (I have a binder. I am a nerd.) But the other stuff, like letting the big ones go, is kind of what I'm after. The general courtesy type things.
Maybe I'll put together a list of people's suggestions.
when in a boat and you see people on a dock, don't fly by causing a wake that could cause them to lose their balance. Also, give a decent amount of clearance between you and shore fishermen. Can't tel you how many times they have hooked my line....and I'm fishing bottom!