How you can help protect the enviroment while fishing

Fishing is one of the most enjoyable hobbies in the world. Millions of people each year flock to the oceans and rivers to enjoy America's pastime. However, being as fun as it is, it's important to fish in a way that keeps the environment in good shape. Not only for us, but also for the people who come after us. In this blog, I will be discussing easy things you can do to make sure we protect our waters and wildlife.

There are many things you can do to practice safe fishing while out on a trip. Firstly, you can practice catch and release.  Not every fish needs to be kept. In fact, practicing Catch and release is essential as it allows for more to remain and reproduce. When doing this, don't touch this fish too roughly or too much. Also, always get your hands wet so you don't damage the fish’s protective coating.  Using a barbless hook also makes it much easier to release the fish without hurting it. In doing this, the ecosystem in which they live will become healthier and stronger.

 It is also very important to clean your fishing equipment before and after you fish. It might not seem like a big deal, but if you do not do this, you increase the risk of spreading invasive species that could cause a lot of harm to the fish you are fishing and their habitat. Things like algae and small organisms can cling to your equipment and then spread themselves from one body of water to another. When introduced to a new body of water they can mess up the local ecosystem.  Just give your equipment a rinse or a scrub, and you're good to go.

 It is also very important to practice leave no trace while fishing. Fishing line, especially, can cause significant harm as birds or other animals can get themselves entangled. Trash can cause significant damage to fish and other aquatic animals. Just make sure to either throw away your trash in appropriate locations or hold onto it until you can dispose of it. 

You will also want to make sure to avoid overused or sensitive areas. In these areas, fish need time to recover, reproduce, and stay healthy. By avoiding these areas, you are allowing the fish to flourish and alleviate pressure. This allows for their ecosystem to be as healthy as possible. 

Lastly, make sure to check the regulations in the area you are fishing in. These regulations are put in place for a reason, and are not just there to ruin your fun, but are actually carefully set to make sure the populations are sustainable. Knowing these regulations allows you to fish responsibly and legally.

These pieces of advice are not meant to make fishing more of a chore, but rather make sure you are enjoying what you love responsibly.