Instructional Video Script:
The COVID pandemic and consequential travel and social restrictions have caused people to explore the great outdoors. As a result, many newcomers to the outdoors have developed an interest in fly fishing.
Fly fishing equipment companies and shop owners have enjoyed increased wealth associated with the surge in outdoor equipment sales. Still, they must also be mindful of their obligation to teach good conservation habits or face the consequences of depleting fisheries. Sustainable practices like properly releasing fish and avoiding reproduction periods are overlooked. The lack thereof will decimate fish populations, destroy ecosystems, and evoke climate change.
Instructions for Anglers
Lets talk about what anglers can do to practice effective conservation habits. The following does not suggest anglers spend more money on fishing gear. These practices can quickly be followed without spending additional funds to upgrade fly fishing equipment.
The Day Before Fishing
Ensure you have valid fishing and national forest licenses for your area. Some states require state park permits and salt water or fresh water licenses. Check Local Regulations Some streams have special regulations to preserve the fish populations. For example, most wild trout streams require special regulation permits due to catch-and-release programs. Additionally, some rivers are restricted to single hook artificial lures or barbless hooks.
Understand the Impact of Your Gear
Use Barbless Hooks Shave the barb off hooks or only buy flies from shops that sell barbless hooks. Barbless hooks cause minor damage to a fish’s mouth and are easier to remove, hence less time spent with a fish out of water Utilize Rubber Nets. Rubber nets do minor damage to fish skin and fins, and hooks don’t get tangled in rubber as much as nylon mesh netting. Nets also allow you to handle fish in or above water. Cautiously Use Forceps. Hook removal devices like pliers and forceps quickly remove hooks from a fish’s mouth. Lip gripping devices should only be used if there is no way of handling the fish by the body or mouth due to sharp teeth. This gentlemen is doing a fantastic job of gripping the sharp toothed pike by the body to cause minimal damage.
Limit Fish Fighting Time
Landing a fish quickly reduces muscle strain on fish. Keep Fish Wet. If you don’t have a net, hold fish in or above water when removing the hook. Limit Photography Time. When photographing a fish, leave it in the net in the water. For an out-of-water shot, have someone else assist in taking the photo so you can focus on handling the fish. Revive Fish Upon Release Revive a fish by submerging it with its head facing the current, allowing water to flow through the mouth and the gills.
Things for Fly Shops to Consider
During introductory fly fishing classes, talk about sustainable fishing practices discussed in this document. These could be introduced at fly tying classes or casting classes. During fishing trips, have guides enlighten customers on proper casting and the sustainable fishing practices discussed in this document. For example, talk about using barbless hooks when tying on a fly for a customer. Communicate where you take customers and clients for guided trips with other guide services to prevent drift boats and anglers from stacking up on one another. The goal is to find peace and serenity in fly fishing, and that’s not easy with other people in your casting zone. Team up with conservation groups like Trout Unlimited or local natural/wildlife resource departments (DNR/DWR). Stress the importance of wildlife appreciation. It’s okay if no one catches a fish by the end of the day. Fly fishing is about getting back to nature and valuing the planet for what it has to offer. Introducing anglers to dry fly fishing, streamer stripping, and tight line nymphing is better than simply using the technique of working on the water that day.
