|
|
As responsible anglers, we recognize that our actions should always be governed by what is right – ethically and legally – and we understand and agree that the best ways to accomplish our goals is through personal example and education.
We’re dedicated to preserving the pier rats’ environment in the following ways:
We will work to protect all species of fish. Fish that will be kept for food will be killed in a humane manner. Fish that are to be returned to the water will be handled with care in an attempt to assure their safe return to the water. All species of fish -- both sportfish and incidental species -- will be given the same respect and treatment. We will attempt to avoid the capture of unwanted or prohibited species.
We will work to improve the environments of the piers themselves as well as the waters around the piers. We will dispose of trash in trash containers, make sure there are no lines or discarded tackle on the pier, and clean up bait from the surface of piers as well as the railings. Where possible, we will assist in the removal of lines and tackle from pilings and pier structures. We will not throw pollutants (of any type) into the waters adjacent to the pier. We will always try to leave the pier as clean or cleaner than when we arrived.
As guardians of the pier environment, we will, to the best of our ability, try to reason with and correct anglers observed to be acting in a manner detrimental to that environment. We will, if necessary, report cases of abuse to the relevant authorities. Observations of illegal fishing methods will be reported to the Fish and Game Department (CalTip). Observations of destruction to the pier will be reported to local agencies.
We will encourage good fishing etiquette. We will learn and obey all fishing regulations. We will treat fellow anglers with courtesy and respect. We will endeavor to educate our fellow anglers in sound and safe angling methods and fishery conservation.
"ln the end we will conserve only what we love. We love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught." -- Baba Dioum
This code of ethics has evolved over the years on Ken Jone's excellent fishing website. Visit us online: www.pierfishing.com. Go to the Message Board and log in as 'anonymous' to review the posts from fellow pier and shore anglers. To submit your own posts there is a simple registration process available on the log-in page.
Thank you and tight lines to all,
Pierhead (Boyd Grant)