Posted 9/25/01

Fishing Etiquette
By Danny Surfcast

I would like to address an important and often over-looked aspect of fishing -- ethics. I speak with a wise and educated tongue about the need for good ethics while fishing, as I have been subjected to some of the worst. Let's take a look at some of the things to avoid.

1) Respect a partner's missed strike. Do not immediately cast your lure into the precise vicinity of your companion's recently missed strike, without asking permission or allowing him or her ample time to recast.

There has even been a term coined to describe this tactic of aggressive fishing, it is called the "Jorgeson". Example: You cast a grub alongside a dock and receive a strike but miss the hookset. Upon announcing the missed strike and reeling in to make another attempt, your partner intentionally casts his lure at the very same side of the dock where you just missed your strike. He catches your fish. This is the proper time to either refer to that person as a "Jorgeson" or ask that person why he "Jorgesened" you.

2) Always be in control when drawing back to make a cast, especially if fishing from a boat. Be sure to give a good look around as to avoid embedding a treble hook into your friend's scalp or slapping your buddy in the face with a spinnerbait. Sure, minor mishaps can be funny and provide a hearty laugh for those not in the line of fire, but it is often rather embarrassing and dangerous to be at the receiving end of an out-of-control cast.

3) Try not to make too many excuses for just not catching fish. It may be tempting to blame your lackluster performance on your tackle, or your unfavorable position in the boat, or even on the fact that you have to operate the trolling motor against the wind. Nobody wants to hear that. Just suck it up and be a man.

4) Practice your casting. Again, this rule pertains mostly to fishing from a boat. There are several reasons for improving your casting skills, as it relates to your fishing partners. For example, you cast towards a nice overhanging bush that you just know is housing a fat largemouth. You wanna get your lure nice and close, but you are a lousy caster. You catch the bush.

Now let's look at what has happened here. First of all, your vigorous shaking and yanking trying to free your lure has obviously scared away all forms of life within 20 feet. You ruined the fishing spot. Next, you have caused the trolling motor operator to cease his fishing while he navigates the boat to the bush to retrieve your tangled lure.

Lastly, and most importantly, you have successfully embarrassed your companions and yourself by proving to all other fisherman on the lake that you are really a monkey with a fishing license, and not a human being at all.

These are just some of the things to remember while out on the waters. There are many more rules of conduct to consider when striving for proper fishing etiquette, but this should give you a running start.

Good luck and have fun!

Article courtesy of Danny Surfcast.

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Danny Surfcast is an avid largemouth bass fisherman who has been fishing Connecticut waters his whole life. His primary stomping ground has been Fairfield County, but he has landed lunkers in a variety of Connecticut locations. Danny is known as the resident Goodwill Ambassador of the Fishing World. A veritable vanguard of the sport, he is quick to enlighten you with his tips, thoughts, and theories relating to the elusive largemouth bass.