Preaching the Gospel of Angler Etiquette

The image above is an illustration of #2 below … This is a special guest post, written by frequent visitor and angler of the upper Connecticut River, Jason Kauppi. The following blog post is based on his observations along our section of the river, but we’re pretty sure this is happening on other popular New England rivers too. If you’re a frequent reader of the blog, it probably does not pertain to you, but perhaps you know someone that it could help – please have them read it.

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Every fishing season, cell phone reception improves along the Connecticut River’s “Trophy Stretch”, one of the comforts of suburbia arriving in Pittsburg. Unfortunately, some bad habits are tagging along as well.When your faithful blogger Tom Caron suggested I write a guest blog, I asked for a topic. “Angler etiquette,” he shot back.

It’s on Tom’s mind and that of other Pittsburg anglers. As more visitors come to the area, some are bringing bad behaviors to the banks of the Connecticut with them. 

This blog post is likely preaching to the choir, but Reverend Tom needs our help spreading the gospel of angler etiquette. We all have a role to play, so let’s start with identifying some of the problems.

1. Give ‘em space on the water. 

My cell phone lit up with a video from a friend. He was shooting it over his shoulder as a dude splashed through the water behind him, only to stop much too close to fish. If a spot is taken, walk far around the angler to get to the next spot. Don’t get into his back cast. Don’t splash or kick up silt that can spook fish. 

In October, I watched a buddy get his line crossed by two anglers within fifteen minutes. The first was practicing a spey cast across the river. Please, practice when no one is around or in an open field, not in a crowded river.

The second felt his upstream cast should land above the bridge and then float down to him below it.  I favor long drifts, but not into another angler’s water. If the downstream swing of your line will overlap with the next guy’s upstream cast, you’re too close.

When fishing with friends, a “Polish Double” can be a good laugh. Among strangers, it’s not so funny. It creates a disturbance that can spook fish, tangle tippet and lead to unpleasant exchanges.  

My buddy kept a good-natured smile, each time offering to untangle the mess (the offenders didn’t realize he was checking what flies they were fishing).

2. Give ‘em space on the land.

Recently, a friend emerged from the Doc’s Pool trail to find a truck parked so close to his that he could barely open the driver-side door. With the unloading of gear and suiting up, we all appreciate some space to move near our vehicles. The riverside lots can fill up quickly. Take that as a sign the river is busy and move to another spot. This isn’t the mall at Christmas.

3. Clean up after yourself.

I keep a cardboard box in the back of my SUV for trash on fishing trips. Discarded tippet, water bottles, cigar wrappers, etc. No one wants to see trash on the side of the river, but it’s there more and more. Make an effort to retrieve the flies and tippet from tree limbs, and carry-out your trash and others, if necessary.

4. Preaching Angler Etiquette

So, what can we, Tom’s disciples, do to improve the overall angler etiquette on the Trophy Stretch?  

1. Display model behavior.  We can all demonstrate courtesy and friendliness. Give a hearty good morning and good luck, especially to that sullen angler. Encourage young anglers in the sport of fly fishing (i.e. give them a fly that works, or other friendly advice), or reward elderly anglers with a preferred spot on a pool with easy access (they’ve earned it!).

2. Reward good behavior. I appreciate the angler who asks if it’s OK to fish nearby. I often reward courtesy by giving up my spot to polite newcomers and suggesting flies or techniques working for me. I’ve probably been fishing the spot long enough, anyway.

3. Show some charity.  Fetch the hat blown from the head of an angler nearly knocked over by a fierce gust. Cast for the dropped fly patch surfing downstream even if there is a slim chance of snagging it. You’ll make a positive impression and influence the good manners of others.

What are your stories of bad behavior? Leave them in the comments below.  

And remember, when you are uncertain of the correct angler etiquette, ask yourself, “What would Tom do?”