Go Packaging Free: Get organised before fishing to avoid leaving waste in our waterways
OzFish Unlimited’s Jonathon Bleakley reflects on a lifetime as a recreational fisher and how we can all prevent litter in our waterways, as part of the Fish For Life – Keep It Clean campaign.
One of my most vivid memories as a child was sitting on the floor of my grandmother’s house preparing the tackle trays before the next morning’s adventures.
It was the smell of unpacking the soft plastics, the touch and feel of the different lures and the countless decisions on what box will house what piece of fishing gear – all of which I can still picture today.
Aside from the fact that fishing gear with all its shapes, colours and sizes is appealing to any young mind, there was a method to my madness in taking over the loungeroom floor.
My role within ‘the team’ was to ensure our tackle was organised and ready to go for a 6am start the next day.
Today, nothing has changed. Other than swapping the loungeroom floor for the garage, and opting for some heavier tackle, I still start every fishing adventure with a few hours of tackle tinkering.
While the enjoyment is still there, I now also know the benefit this practice has for preventing litter entering our waterways and I encourage every angler to do the same before they hit the water.
By having your lures pre-packed into stowaways, you are not only creating an organised environment, you are ensuring no plastic packaging needs to be unwrapped while out on the boat, kayak or walking the bank – just one less thing you need to think about when out fishing.
From plastic bottles and bags, to abandoned fishing gear and lures, our aquatic ecosystems are plagued by human-generated debris. These pollutants not only mar the natural beauty of our waterways but also pose serious threats to fish.
Fishing gear, especially lures and tackle, can become a significant contributor to aquatic litter if not handled responsibly. Anglers may inadvertently leave behind broken lures, discarded line and packaging materials, which can have disastrous consequences for marine life. Birds, fish, and other aquatic creatures can ingest or become entangled in these items, leading to injury or death.
So, as we head into the summer months, here are the five reasons why all anglers should unpack their fishing gear before heading out:
- Reduced Plastic Waste: Most fishing lures and gear come in plastic packaging. By unpacking your gear at home or before you reach the water, you can eliminate the chance of accidentally dropping plastic wrappers, containers or discarded packaging into the water.
- Tangle Prevention: Unpacking your gear in advance allows you to organise your lures and tackle properly. This not only saves time on the water but also reduces the risk of tangled lines or lost lures, which might end up as litter in the water.
- Safety First: Ensuring all your gear is accounted for and in good condition before you start fishing is not just responsible; it’s also a safety precaution. A damaged lure or piece of gear can pose a danger to wildlife and fellow anglers.
- Setting an Example: As rec fishers, we often lead by example. By demonstrating responsible behaviour and unpacking our gear, we encourage others to do the same. This ripple effect can have a significant impact on the cleanliness of our waterways.
Fishing is a privilege that allows us to connect with nature and enjoy the serenity of our waterways.
To ensure that future generations can experience the same joys, it’s crucial for us to adopt responsible practices.
Unpacking your fishing lures and gear before hitting the water is a small but meaningful step in the right direction.
Keep it Clean is a partnership with OzFish and the NSW Department of Primary Industries. It is made possible through funding by the Recreational Fishing Trusts and Marine Estate Management Strategy. OzFish is supported by BCF – Boating, Fishing, Camping.
