As an outdoorswoman I have always looked at Earth Day as a way to say thanks. I like to take the day to show my appreciation for all of the endless wonder this planet provides.
Every time we head into the outdoors, the outdoors provide so much. Fishing a flat all alone provides a sense of solitude. With each wading bird that passes; beauty. Hiking through the forest to get to a fishing hole; a sense of adventure. Fighting your first big game fish with the salt of the ocean spraying you in the face; adrenaline! So why not at least one day a year say “thanks”?
Below are some of my favorite and simple ways to give thanks on Earth Day.
Leave No Trace
The golden rule when it comes to spending time outdoors. Take with you what you bring with you. Don’t leave any of your trash, fishing line, or used lures behind. Most public fishing spots have trash and recycle bins for your use. This includes not throwing fishing line or lures overboard, stuff them in a designated bag or bucket.
Keep ‘Em Wet
For one day, practice catch and release, and at the same time practice the “Keep ‘Em Wet” principles. Keep your catch in the water as long as possible. Use wet hands to hold your fish in the water or as close to the water as possible. Carefully handle the fish, and handle the fish as little as possible. For more information, check out Safe Fish-Handling Techniques.
Leave It Better Than How You Found It
Just for one day, go above and beyond by cleaning up trash that isn’t yours. Maybe even clean up a section of river, your local pond or a section of beach in celebration of Earth Day.
Only Keep What You Need
Try only harvesting the amount of fish that you need for one or two meals. Instead of keeping 50 schoolie-size mahi, keep 10. Not only will it save you time on cleaning the fish, but it will give those fish that you didn’t keep a chance to keep growing. You’re going to freeze all of the extra fish anyway, why not leave them in the ocean to keep growing?
Don’t Alter The Ecosystem You’re Fishing In
Often times anglers will alter the ecosystem they are fishing in to get better fishing chances. This can be done by throwing their anchor over coral reefs in hopes of getting right into the schools. Or anglers will move river rock around to cross the river, get into a better spot or to keep some for home projects. To celebrate Earth Day, for one day do not throw your anchor over coral reef and do not move around river rock. Enjoy the ecosystem you are in, as it is, as a way of saying “thanks” this Earth Day.
Happy Earth Day from the FishAngler team!
– Christina A., Marine Biologist, FishAngler
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