The Present and Future of Fishing

___________________________________________________

Click here for a printer friendly version (Size: 19 KB)

The pleasures of fishing are many and varied.  Introducing young people to fishing is one strategy to assure connection to the natural world for future generations.  See the article about the Brotherhood of the Junglecock posted under “Enjoy”.

In order to continue to enjoy fishing, it is critical to protect our natural waters from cross contamination, both cold water [trout] and warm water fisheries. 

Our cold-water fisheries must guard against a threatening aquatic invasive plant called Didymo, an international invader that has had enormous impacts in New Zealand.  It is nicknamed “Rock Snot”.   It has arrived in Canada and the US as well.  Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didymo or http://www.fedflyfishers.org/conDidymo.php for additional information.  You may want to consider taking the Clean Angling Pledge http://www.midatlanticconservation.org/docs-pdf/CleanAnglingPledge.pdf  to help prevent the spread of such threats to waters that you love.

If you are a warm water fisherman, the advice of Friends of Lake Linganore, published in the April issue of “Lake Talk” makes a lot of sense.  Check it out.

Fishing ‘Stewardship’ at Lake Linganore

Spring is finally here and its time for some great fishing!  As we head out to Eaglehead lakes, it important to keep in mind some guidelines that help our fish and aquatic environments to remain enjoyable.  Here are some tips for fisherman:

Don't litter (of course!) but also be especially aware of items such as unused fishing line, plastic wrappers, etc. 

Buy a fishing license.  The money raised through the sale of fishing licenses help support fisheries management and habitat improvement.  You can even buy your license online at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources web site at (www.dnr.state.md.us). Note: a trout stamp in not required to fish at Lake Linganore. 

Always follow state and local (i.e. Lake Linganore) regulations.  Be aware that all Eaglehead lakes are catch-and-release for black (largemouth and smallmouth) bass.  A printed booklet is typically included if you purchase your fishing license at a retail store but is also available at the DNR web site.

Handle fish with care.  Use a soft mesh net if possible. Always make sure your hands are wet when you handle fish, or wear gloves, to keep the protective 'slime' coat on the fishes' skin intact. Remove the hook as quickly as possible.  Hold bass vertically, not horizontally, to reduce stress on the jaw. Gently return the fish to the water.  Some great catch-and-release tips can be found at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/articles/catch_release.shtml.

Avoid live fish as bait, particularly if the fish are from outside the lake or stream in which you are fishing.  Fish that escape can become established in the lake in which case they have the potential to alter the lake’s ecosystem.

Don't harm the wildlife.  Yes, that includes snakes. While not always possible, try your best to minimize startling turtles, birds or other wildlife around our lakes. 

Go the extra mile.  Instead of just not littering, pick up trash that you see while out on the lake. Try stepping up your angling skills by using barb-less hooks. Take a kid fishing and get them started on a lifetime of enjoyment.