All fishermen have a code of ethics in which they live. We are no different. We have collaborated a list of fishing ethics which we hold fast to. They are listed in no particular order. Ethics may very from person to person, but these that we have listed should be followed by all true fishermen of the muddy Mississippi.
I. SNAGGING----Snagging is just wrong! True there are certain fish, like paddlefish, that may only be caught this way, and that is O.K. This is due to the fact they only eat micro-organisms. Any fish that aren’t like these should be caught by sport. I have heard of people fishing for catfish by using a large treble hook and a spark plug. They drag it on the bottom and snag the fish. Where’s the sport or skill in that I ask you? If the fish is too small, too bad. You’ve already wounded it badly.
II. CATCH AND RELEASE----Don’t get me wrong I love to eat the fish I catch, and I usually do. At the same time bieng picky on the fish is good. We NEVER keep a fish that is under 5 lbs. This may sound like a pretty heafty minimun to some people, but 5 lbs. catfish are all too common in the muddy river. Sometimes if the fishin’ is real good the wieght is elevated. At one time Kliff and Aaron would not keep a fish under 20 lbs. Leave the smaller fish to grow and replenish the river. You don’t get alot of meat off of them anyway, and this way you can be assured you’ll have a constant supply. Besides even a 2 lbs. flathead can fight big with a good current. Also, use you’re own judgment on the fish as well. A 5 lbs. blue cat can produce nice fillets for two people, but to get the same amount of meat from a flathead it may need to be 7 or 8 lbs., due to them bieng all head. The other thing to remember is that if you're not going to eat it return it. If you need 15 lbs. of fish for a meal and you only catch 7, then return it back to the river for another day. We do this quite alot so the number we actually keep is reflected in our stats.
III. TREATMENT OF FISH AND ANIMALS----Remember, we are sportsman. When you skin you’re fish, make it a quick death before you skin. Don’t kill other fish you catch just for fun. If you come across a snake, let it go. This is thier home were invading. Don’t kill the native animals just because it’s fun. This is pretty much decency and common sense to most of us, but there are some sick people out there.
IV. TREATMENT OF OTHERS----View you’re fishing expirience as a brotherhood. Most people you see at the river are decent folks. Friendliness never hurt. You never know they may end up helping you out in a bind someday. Don’t just overtake someone else’s spot. Ask permission or get to know them first. Some people are very picky on where they fish. Don’t bring others to fish if they annoy or irretate the others in you’re party. That’s never any fun.
V. CONSERVATIONISM----Obviously you must love the outdoors if you’re out fishing. So let’s keep it clean and decent. Pick-up trash you bring or find. We sometimes light a fire and burn all the trash we find. Make sure they won’t let off toxic fumes or any other kind of pollutance. Wood and barge ropes washed up from the winter months are great sources of fuel. This is an especially good idea in the spring and fall when it gets cool. Make sure it is legal for you to do this though, so you don’t get in trouble. Also be safe about it, you never know what may wash up. Either way clean up you’re fishing area, cause every little bit will help.
VI. SAFETY----By all means be safe. A first aid kit is a definate. If you’re path to the river is too steep or trecherous, find another way. If you must walk on railroad tracks, make sure there is a way off if a train comes. Watch out for snakes and other varmits that may give a nasty bite or spray. If you do decide to build a fire, don’t build it on or next to anything flammable. This means brush, trees, and even flint. We build ours on a sheet of rock and more tham 100 feet from anything flammable. Don’t throw explosives into the fire. Burn wood and the like, not aerosol cans or coleman fuel. Bring and use sunscreen, at least an SPF 15, if there will be a high sun intensity level. Don’t drink too much alcohol to the point of bieng sick. Be carefull around the river itself, that current is mean and you never know about undertows or creatures. Don’t bring firearms or any other weapons. Were fishing not overtaking the Midway Islands. Besides the fact it may be illegal and dangerous, if you’re on private property you may loose you’re privaleges. Again this is all pretty much common sense, but you never know about some people.
