Fishing Code of Conduct

For Recreational Fishing in British Columbia

We protect the environment of fish

We treat all fish with respect

We actively participate in the management of our fish

We respect the rights of others

Responsible Anglers Respect The Environment Responsible Anglers Respect The Environment As Ethical Anglers:

1. We do not spill or dump gasoline, oil or other pollutants on land or into the water.
2. When fishing we never leave trash behind, including worn or discarded line, old hooks and bait.
3. We leave our fishing site as clean or cleaner than we found it.
4. We report environmental damage and pollution to the relevant authorities.
5. When boating or anchoring, we take care to avoid damaging sensitive areas.
6. We do our best to prevent the spread of exotic plants and animals.
7. We never use as live bait fish that do not normally reside in the waters we are fishing, nor do we introduce exotic species that may survive and reproduce into fishing waters.

Responsible Anglers Respect Fish And Handle Them Carefully
As Ethical Anglers:

8. We use only legal tackle, attend to our gear and value our catch.
9. We keep no more fish than needed for consumption and legally allowed and we never wastefully discard fish that are retained.
10. We practice conservation and use proper release methods for fish not retained.
11. We use tackle and techniques that avoid the capture of, or minimize the harm to unwanted fish or fish prohibited from retention.
12. We learn and comply with all angling regulations.
13. We report any illegal fishing activities we observe to the proper authorities.

Responsible Anglers Respect The Rights Of Others
As Ethical Anglers:

14. We treat other anglers, boaters and other people we might meet in the field with courtesy and respect.
15. We obtain permission from landowners and never trespass on private lands or waters.
16. We respect the space of other anglers when fishing from the shore or in a boat and give room to all anglers playing a fish.

Responsible Anglers Take Care Of Their Own Safety And The Safety Of Others When Fishing
As Ethical Anglers:

17. We observe all operator and safety regulations.
18. We watch our speed and our wash and keep a safe distance from shore based anglers, jetties and other boats.

Responsible Anglers Lead By Example
As Ethical Anglers:

19. We educate fellow anglers, especially new participants about fishing ethics.
20. We promote ethical behavior in the use of aquatic resources through education and example.
21. We maintain and promote public awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding responsible fishing.
22. We promote public awareness of the measures taken by anglers to conserve the resources and protect the environment.

Fishing Code of Conduct

For Recreational Fishing in British Columbia - Points to Remember

Fishing responsibly not only means protecting the environment and the resource, but also practising safe fishing habits and respect towards others. This Code of Conduct has been developed and endorsed by the Sport Fishing Advisory Board:

1. Handle all fish with care.
2. Limit your catch to ensure fish for the future.
3. Leave your fishing spot cleaner than you found it.
4. Respect the rights of property owners and other outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Use the proper tackle and methods for the species being targeted.
6. Promote the sport by teaching children and new participants how to fish.
7. Become informed about your fishery and participate in its management.
8. Report all illegal fishing activities to the proper authorities.
9. Respect the space of others, leave enough room for everyone to fish.
10. Learn the fishing and boating laws and abide by them.