By: Captain Marty Goldys
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters
While we all love spending time in, on, and around the water, it is very important we all practice the rules, regulations, and basic etiquette in our surrounding environment.
The goal being to have fun while being safe and sustaining our natural resources.
Below are a few tips and reminders to keep in mind the next time you hit the water on a boat or head out fishing:
-Know your local fishing regulations (www.FWC.com) 16 years or older, a Fishing License is required / 65 years or older, not required to hold a Fishing License
-Download App 'Fish Rules' - Know your fish species - Fines are assessed on bag and size limits
-Help maintain healthy populations of fish (Practice Conservation / Catch and Release)
-16ft vessel or above must have a PFD (Personal Floatation Device - Type II - Throwable), a Sound device (Whistle or airhorn), Navigation Lights (Red & Green) and anchor Light (360 degree whit light), appropriate paperwork (Boat/Trailer Registration), and multiple anchors onboard
-Follow minimal wake area restrictions - Slow speed manatee zones
-Report unsafe Vessels, pollution, and littering violations
When fishing:
-First person to the fishing spot has the 'Right of Way' in that zone
-If some one is hooked-Up near you, get out of their way (Reel-Up)
-Don't 'roll-up', anchor, or set your trolling motor on top of other boats/vessels (Keep appropriate spacing between you and other boats/fisherman). There is plenty of open water/fish out there. No need to crowd others or motor towards those fishing. Simply make a wide pass around other vessels that appear to be fishing
-Don't cast over anyone else's line (Especially when they have a 'Fish On')
-Follow your bait, otherwise it will cause a tangle or get caught up in structure
-After you catch a fish or two, allow others to hop in your spot/honey hole
-Give forgiveness to the 'Rookie/Newbie' on board. Show them the way and educate them (Share techniques, approaches, strategies with others so everyone around you has success on the water)
-Don't Judge other anglers. Fishing is for FUN, keep it that way
-Help marine life when tangled in fishing line -Remember to Reel, Remove, Release (Visit www.MyFWC.com for tips on removing hooks and fishing line from marine wildlife)
-Always clean up after yourself and other anglers/boaters (i.e. fishing line, trash, floating debris, etc).
-Give back to others who may not be as fortunate or have the correct equipment
-Practice 'Common Courtesy' and use 'Common Sense' when on or around the water
-Always remember to have fun!
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