Anlger's Code of Conduct

[addict]

Although I have found the wonder that is fishing late in my life, I cannot express the amount of pleasure it has brought me. However, it is sad to see that the uglier sides of human nature have also found their way into angling.

It seems there's a lot of justifiable anger and frustration from some of the more experienced anglers. From people who don't clean up after themselves, newbies without a clue about fishing etiquet, people who don't speak english not knowing the regs, people who speak english - know the regs but don't give a sh*t, crossing lines, mugging spots, etc.

So being a newbie myself and wanting to learn, I thought it would be beneficial to post a Angler's Code of Conduct for all to see and maybe even somehow standardize a list all over the interent. Someone once mentioned a code of conduct system like in skiing.

I know it doesn't solve all the problems by any means, but I definately think education and getting the messege out is a step in the right direction. Can you imagine if all major fishing sites, B&T's, etc...had the same code of conduct printed on the homepage? Rules for surf and another for boat? Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but even if we change even one SOB angler to an angler who's a pleasure to fish next to?

Here's my list of things I've learned, please feel free to add.
[list=1][*]If you're fishing from surf, please give at least 30 feet of space from other anglers. (Heck, I'd take 10 feet sometimes) If there's a lot of space, give at least 50 feet. especially if the angler is catching fish!![*]Don't expect people with the proper gear (bait, lures, nets, gafts, rod, etc...) to help you. You should be prepared when you go fishing.[*]Pick up garbage! Yours, his, hers, doesn't matter. Every little bit helps.[*]Don't be LOUD. Especially if you drink! Drink sensibly. For fishing as well as the residential community that may be surrounding the spot. Wonder how some spots are lost?[*]I'll leave the rest to the web community.[/list=1]

These issues will not go away by themselves. Left unchecked, fishing will no longer be a peaceful, spiritual pleasure. Rather, it'll become like the roads we drive on. I think anything's worth a shot to save the sport we all love. Who cares if it's only one transformed angler?

justmy2