A Guide to Fishing Etiquette  

Part of the fishing mindset means you should take a moment to understand the responsibility to the environment, to others and to yourself. It’s an activity that can be a very therapeutic way to put a pin in life’s stress.

This isn’t just a ploy to get more fishing time – it’s a proven fact. Nature-based activities, like fishing, are excellent at improving mood, lowering anxiety and creating more positive emotions. Getting a fish on the end of your line is often just a welcome bycatch. What you can guarantee is the ability to enjoy nature, the beauty of the water and get a little downtime.

Whether you’re on a boat or land-based there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you display consideration for others who are also enjoying the ‘fishing experience’. These are not written rules that you must follow. But they are things to keep in mind, so we can all enjoy this sport we all love.  

RESPECT THE DISTANCE 

When you arrive at a fishing location give other anglers space and respect those who got there before you. Dedicated anglers will often be up early in search of the perfect fishing sport. Their efforts to get some alone time can be diminished if a line is cast right next to them. Don’t go by the 1.5-meter social distancing guidelines. You need to give them at least 10-15 meters of space and still ask politely if they’d mind if you can throw a line in. You’ll usually get the nod.  

KNOW YOUR ABILITY 

If you can skip cast a bug off a mangrove leaf, you’re probably okay to wet a line near someone else. If you’ve still got a few blips in your caste or are using a new reel then give even more space or wait for them to retrieve their line so there is no danger of a tangle that’ll disrupt their flow.  

WAKE UP 

If you’re boating, it is always important to remember the effects your wake will have on other vessels when passing anglers on the water. Again, keep as much distance as possible, or at least reduce your speed and revs out of respect for other boaters.

When boating around land-based fishos, remember the sound of an outboard motor can quite often spook fish. Be mindful of this and keep well clear of lines from land-based fisherman. As a rule of thumb, try cut your motor 100m before any likely fishing spot.  

PICK UP 

Without passing judgement, littering in or near a waterway is someone’s way of showing the world they’ve failed at life. Always pick up your rubbish, including line clippings, bait scraps and bags. You can even offer fellow fishers your left-over bait.

Most importantly, try follow the advice of the Take 3 For The Sea initiative where you pick up three bits of rubbish each time you visit a waterway. As recreational anglers it is our duty to respect our local waterways and always leave them in better condition that when you found them.  

KNOW YOUR SANCTUARY ZONES  

A sanctuary zone is an expanse of waterway in which fishing practices are prohibited. This means that fish cannot be taken or collected from these areas. Although some sanctuary zones allow for lure or line fishing only their basic principles are all the same.

 

They are in place to protect our marine life and fish species. Sanctuary zones are often highlighted using marker buoys, but most marine electronic maps have their exact locations highlighted. Visit to the DPI website should educate you on all the information you need to know. There are strict rules and regulations associated with sanctuary zones, with significant penalties and fines for individuals found fishing within these areas. 

WATCH THE NOISE AND LIGHT POLLUTION 

Portable speakers might be convenient but they can spoil the peace and quiet so many anglers crave. What’s more, music is a subjective art form so your love of Country music may incense someone else. Stick to headphones if you want to listen to some beats. And if you’re fishing at night keep your light off the water, this can scare many species away, especially those like Mulloway.    

KEEP IT TO YOURSELF  

If someone lends you the secret marks to a good fishing spot, always ask if they want that to be kept secret. These spots can take decades to find, and often can be ruined its flooded with people every day. Always ask – often they will give you the nod of approval.  

You are not there to compete with other anglers so never view them as a threat to the number of fish you’ll catch. Often you can throw a line in where they’ve been fishing, after they’ve left, and you’ll inexplicably get a good hook up. There are plenty of resources to go around and if you follow the rules above, you may just make someone else’s day by interacting with them in a respectful way that leaves you both feeling more positive. That’s a win worth catching, even if you don’t land a fish.  

Think more can be added to this list? Jump over to social media and let us know!

 

By Ray Klerk