Fishing Etiquette

Boat and Fishing Etiquette

Even if you use a Fishery regularly, please take the opportunity to read
the following common sense guidance notes. They will help you and
other fishers have a much more enjoyable session.

Fish can sense and are disturbed by undue noise, e.g. stamping on the
floorboards from within a boat. Try to keep noise to a minimum.

Always remember an outboard engine is a means of propulsion, and not
necessarily a way of getting directly from A to B in the straightest line or the
fastest time, especially if it disturbs your quarry and other fishery users.

Do not leave litter, especially nylon traces as they can kill birds. At the end of
the day remove all litter from the boat and draw your boat up adjacent to other boats.

If you don’t know the water, ask for a map of the fishery, showing depths, etc.
This will help you avoid disturbing fish in “hot spots” such as shallow ground,
and also prevent engine damage.

Try to maintain a good distance, (say 150 metres wherever possible), from any
shoreline when travelling between marks or renewing the drift.

Try not to cross within 150 meters of another boat’s drift, especially at full speed.

Do not motor at full speed over known drifts, or when moving away from a drift.

If your drift tends to run into a shoreline, move out either by using the oars, very
low engine revs, or an electric engine.

Do not hog a productive spot or backtrack over your old drift if other fishers are
on the same drift. When you have exhausted a drift and wish to run through
again, take your place at the end of the boats on the same drift, bearing in mind
the above points.

Always try to be aware of the location of other fishers and what type of fishing
they are doing.

Do not encroach too close to drogue drifters. Bear in mind a drogue drift is
much slower than a standard drift.

Inconsiderate and persistent offenders should be reported to the fishery staff
by giving them the boat number involved.

Bank Etiquette

When bank fishing from a river, stream or fishery; bank etiquette should always be followed. It not only enhances the other fly fisher’s enjoyment of the sport but your own also. If you are courteous so other fly fishers will be courteous to you.

There is nothing worse than trying to cast your line in a tight but productive spot to find that other fly fishers are crowding in on your area, casting over your line or standing right next to you so that you have no space to cast yourself.

Remember anglers are naturally protective of a fishing spot that they have found or are using. Common courtesy and manners makes his and your day a pleasant one

Keep away from other anglers fishing.

Do be aware of other fly fishers within casting distance; there is the accepted distance to keep away.

Respect angler’s markers, stay away; this is his spot.

When passing another angler in a narrow area ask permission first.

Do not fish while passing close to him but wait until well clear.

A friendly greeting goes a long way to ensure a safe passage past.
When leaving fishing spots with others in close proximity or passing anglers casting give them a wide berth.
The Right of Way: - When it comes to fishing etiquette, the right of way is something that you'll need to learn. The rule of thumb is that the angler who is already in the water is given the right of way. The rule also applies if you're walking along the bank or floating. If you need to move locations try to move up-river or along the bank whenever possible. You never want to intrude on another fly fisher without asking first. If you do get permission to enter the same waters make sure that you do so up-river or further along the bank and allow the other angler lots of space.
Taking out your Line: - Common courtesy dictates that you take your line out of the water for any angler who has a fish on the line. This is so that they have plenty of space in order to land their fish. This rule is very important if you're fishing down-river from the other angler. Make sure that you never step into the space of an angler who is releasing or landing a fish on the bank.
Silence: - Whenever you're fly fishing you'll need to be as quiet as you can...and this means leaving your dog and the radio at home. There are two reasons why you want to be as quiet as possible: (1) you don't want to spook the fish, and (2) you don't want to disturb other fly fishers. Many people enjoy fly fishing for the peace and solitude that it affords them.
Lend a Helping Hand: - Always be willing to help out other anglers. This can be as simple as helping them retrieve something that has floated down-river or lending them something that they need, such as extra line. You're all there for a fun day of fly fishing so helping each other out just lends to the experience.

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