Fishing - Make sure to respect other anglers

I've written about fishing etiquette in the past, but it still seems to dominate conversation within angling circles.

If you're not familiar, etiquette is an unwritten code of conduct that emphasises respect rather than set-in-stone ‘rules’.

In some cases, rules do connect, and, for example, it's not going to end well to fail to "give way" when driving on the road or the golf course.

I thought I'd mention a few "codes of conduct" that the majority of anglers appreciate, and that they'd like other anglers to learn, know, and practice.

Freshwater rivers and lakes sometimes attract large crowds, and the best thing we can do is deal with them.

Lots of anglers on the shore?

Have a chat about the fishing, intentions, and intended fishing directions, and then make the call on what to do.

If you want to fish a spot that has room for you and someone's already there, ask them if it's ok first, and don't storm in, making yourself at home, even if it's your second home (fav spot).

If a spot is overcrowded and you like to fish alone, find another spot to be by yourself.

When heading out in a boat, get it ready and any gear away from the boat ramp, not with the boat on the back of a trailer while others are waiting to launch theirs. When loading the boat back onto the trailer, be organised, mindful of who and what's around you, and as quick as you safely can.

When on the shore or in a boat, avoid jumping in ahead of other anglers already fishing the same section of water. Respect their right of way and give way to them.

When in a boat, respect the speed rules for travelling and those on the shore.

Going fast in a boat creates a wake that churns up the bottom and sends waves over anyone fishing or swimming on the shore.

Respect fish, area, bag and size limits; they're set for a reason, and we don't always need to catch/keep our limit.

Don't camp or light fires where you're not allowed, and take all your rubbish with you.

Leave gates and access points how you found them and make a mental note of how they're set or locked.

Relationships with landowners are important, and any misuse can threaten future access.

Saltwater anglers continue to enjoy some decent fishing statewide, with Snapper high on priority lists.

Some are reporting catches of bigger fish, while for others it's the opposite, or none at all.

A 1-5 kg Snapper is a great catch in Tasmania, but like our trout, they can grow to over 10 kg.

Keep fishing structure and reef bottom.

If you're lucky enough to find some small Snapper, be patient and throw out a big, fresh live or dead bait.

Big fish eat big baits or lures.

You never know what you could catch, maybe even a Mako Shark if you're running berley because there's plenty around.

With Sand Flathead restrictions coming in soon, anglers have been chasing a feed with success, and good bags of Tiger or King Flathead have been coming in, too.

The team from IFISH have been in Tasmania for a while now and reported catching Striped Marlin, Swordfish and even Yellowfin Tuna in one day last weekend, which no doubt will feature in a future episode.

Tip Of The Week- An esky full of ice helps keep your caught fish, food and drink cold and fresh, and, in the case of injuries, can also help control swelling.

Send in your fishing reports, pics and tips to valleyfishes@gmail.com

Tight Lines until next week.