Fishing Etiquette

1. Do not spill or dump gasoline, oil or other pollutants on land or into the water.
2. When fishing never leave trash behind, including worn or discarded line, old hooks and bait.
3. Report environmental damage and pollution to the relevant authorities.
4. When boating or anchoring, take care to avoid damaging sensitive areas.
5. Never use as live bait fish that do not normally reside in the waters you are fishing, nor do you introduce exotic species that may survive and reproduce into fishing waters.
6. Treat other anglers, boaters and other people we might meet in the field with courtesy and respect.
7. obtain permission from landowners and never trespass on private lands or waters.
8. Respect the space of other anglers when fishing from the shore or in a boat and give room to all anglers playing a fish.
9. When boating, never run too fast for conditions. If the water is rough, or if many boats are present, slow down. Remember that your passenger's safety and comfort are your responsibility!    
10. If someone has shown you the extreme courtesy of taking you to his favorite bass water and requests that you not reveal its location to others, honor that request. It is considered a breach of sportsman's etiquette to return there without asking his permission first, or to reveal the location to another angler.    
    
11. If someone signals for help or assistance, respond immediately. The bass can wait. You, too, may need directional help or a tow someday.    
12. Never attempt to fish the same structure at the same time as another angler. This is annoying and often ends up in a mess of entangled lines.
13. Treat fish with care; learn the principles of Catch & Release.
    
14. Don't disturb wildlife.
    
15. Don't bring blaring radios; if you must have one, then bring headphones.
    
16. Learn the State's boating laws.
    
17. Learn about the rights of property owners when accessing great waters by foot.
    
18. Share fishing techniques.
    
19. Understand breeding patterns of applicable species; return spawning fish back to the water.
    
20. Beware of what is going on; check weather forcasts in advance.
21. Mobile Phones are great for emergencies, but keep them turned off while fishing.
22. It is also against the law to drink alcohol in most fishing boats.