Stream ethics, codes of conduct, do's and don'ts

[Chris Shelton]

Having recently been taken to task (re a thoughtless error on my behalf) by some of my fellow angling mates on here (offline that is), who I continue to respect and admire, duelly chastised and forgiven (no hard feelings guys), I would just like to say something with regard to the general accepted code of conduct on here.

The point that I would like to put across is this; (please feel free to comment if you don't agree)

*If someone volunteers a bit of information regarding where he fishes or has perhaps caught a sizeable fish, then this is his perogative, but I consider it very bad taste for any senior member, member or junior member to question the exact whereabouts of the catch. This can and usually does compromise the guy who is giving out the information. Please guys, let's think a bit before we question and try to question as we would be questioned.*

That is all I have to say for now. We may as well go on to use this thread to discuss stream ethics and general codes of conduct on and off the water. In the interest of being constructive, let's also use this platform to get some of our gripes out of the way.

[cptfly]

One thing that really get my blood boiling is when people boast (in form of catch report or pictures) to other fly fishers about their catch but when asked for information you get told it is a secret stream/venue. If you don’t wont people to ask, keep it to yourself. Ever since I started fly fishing I found this habit of fly fishermen. My personal view is to share all information (venues, fly selection, etc..), thats my 20c

[Chris Shelton]

One thing that really get my blood boiling is when people boast (in form of catch report or pictures) to other fly fishers about their catch but when asked for information you get told it is a secret stream/venue. If you don’t wont people to ask, keep it to yourself. Ever since I started fly fishing I found this habit of fly fishermen. My personal view is to share all information (venues, fly selection, etc..), thats my 20c

There is definitely a lot of merit in what you say and perhaps we should review the catch return section as it can become the subject of much controversy.

To me, fishing has alway been about finding my own spot to fish, whether I know there are fish there or not, and have never been one to rush off to a particular water based on someones report. Unfortunately most on here are like sheep lacking any form of initiative. When I came on the site I started writing about wonderful places I have discovered on my own and the intention was not to boast but purely to sew a seed that the real joy (for me anyway) is to get out there and discover new waters on your own! Immediately all the 'sheep' wanted to know where these streams were. The culprits missed my point completely!

[Chris Shelton]

Let's get the blood boiling!....this is the perfect thread to let it all out....come on guys. I am so ready for this!

[cptfly]

I also like looking for new places and species to catch. for example I read about sandshark on fly and I went out and tried two venues to catch these buggers at this point in time they beating me but I will get them sooner or later.

[Chris Shelton]

I also like looking for new places and species to catch. for example I read about sandshark on fly and I went out and tried two venues to catch these buggers at this point in time they beating me but I will get them sooner or later.

At least you are trying, and at some point you are going to get it right and believe me you will if you try hard enough. Become a pioneer in your own right! And then you are going to want to share your experience with others, and understandably so.....hardly boasting in my book! I for one would be delighted to hear about your success in this regard, but I certainly wont be asking you to reveal the exact location...GPS coordinates and all! Where you can contribute is by informing us that it is indeed possible to catch them on fly and by all means, share the fly with us. Sandshark specifically are found along our entire coastline! Only an idiot would want to know your exact location.

[Herman Jooste]

Good thread Chris, hopefully you'll allow us upcountry guys to expand it a bit to include yellowfish waters I am fairly new to flyfishing but have taken some time out to read up on the "ethics" with regards to yellow waters. One "rule" which a lot of flyfishermen seem to ignore is not to cross the stream/run upstream within 30m of another already fishing person. Last Sunday I was fishing a run fairly close to the bank when another "fisherman?" proceeded to wade across the run bairly 10m upstream from me so that he could get to his preferred run quicker
Needless to say I sat on a rock, had a smoke break for 15 minutes, then started fishing again.

[NeilRowe]

Yellowfish?

[NeilRowe]

Chris

Read Schweiberts "Trout". There is a chapter on ethics and code of conduct on-stream. Very interesting!

[KevinE]

I personally don't share my "secret" spots with all and sundry. I have worked hard to find these spots so if you want some of this action, you are more than welcome to find them yourself. I have taken mates on the unspoken understanding that they don't spill the beans without my say-so. They can fish these spots on their own but I wouldn't be too happy if they took others.

I don't mind people showing pics of big fish in secret rivers, it just gives me motivation to find these by myself. I love putting the pieces together from the hints they drop and pouring over topo maps to figure out he spots they might be talking about.