Anlger's Code of Conduct

[backlasher]

Hey Addict,
Nice work on creating that list. A good effort. Now, I only comment because you asked. The "light thing"...it's not just about "turn it away from the water."..it's about "turn it off!".

I don't mind if someone gets the kid in them and sprays the water with light to "see what's there". I don't mind if someone uses a light temporarily and (oops) points it at the water. No biggie. It's the guys with the lanterns that set up a light that's hundreds of yards away from you. It's just plain blinding and you can't get away from it.

I don't mind if someone decides to have a light on all night and play cards or whatever (though I don't get it)...shield the light from other anglers (more so than the fish). On a long coastline you can get to an area that the fish aren't bothered by the light, but it is still annoying to the angler (plus that lighted angler is missing out on a big piece of finding the night).

Pet peeve, big time. Guys who take shorts and dump trash and smash bottles on the jetty are not going to change their habits based on a web site, but good anglers many times unknowingly do the light thing and don't realize what a drag it is to be (say) one of only 2 or 3 guys on the beach and you leave because you have the high beam syndrome. THis is a big problem on the north shore. Heck, I don't own the ocean, if you come steal my "spot" or invade my "space", I'll grumble and move down shore...but those halogens often mean you can't get away from them.

Pet peeve. AHHHHHHHH. How about, "anglers: do not keep a light on the entire time you are fishing unless you shield it from all sides such that the light stays in your area (pile up sand or use an aluminum foil shield)."

A long boring post, I know (yawwnnn), but if one angler dowses their light then it's worth it! Again, don't worry if you accidentally shine your light the wrong way or at the wrong time or or or...just dont' leave it on continuously.

Maybe this: "be aware that others are bothered by your light....use it judiciously".

I HATE LIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!

B.L.