Access digital copies of guides and regulations publications from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Issue link: http://digital.outdoornebraska.gov/i/606672
An Angler's Code of Ethics: ● Always practice safe fi shing. ● Cast carefully. ● Handle hooks mindfully. ● Wear a life jacket when on a boat or in the water. ● Always be courteous and respectful of other people. ● Respect property. ● Clean up any litter you bring with you. ● Give other anglers their personal space while fi shing. ● Make sure you have permission to fi sh on private property. ● Obey fi shing laws. ● Have a permit when required. ● Know the regulations where you fi sh. ● Respect the outdoors. ● Observe but do not disturb wildlife. ● Release fi sh right away if not planning to eat them. ● Pick up trash, even if you did not leave it. ● Recycle used fi shing line and bait containers. ● Invite friends to fi sh with you and help them learn. WHY WE HAVE FISHING REGULATIONS To protect resources Example: A statewide bag limit of 15 panfi sh prevents populations from being overfi shed and depleted. Example: A no-live-baitfi sh regulation protects a water body from the accidental introduction of a nuisance species like carp. If carp are present, they can degrade water quality and habitat and compete with sport fi sh for resources. Example: Water and aquatic vegetation cannot be transported from one water body to another. Boats and equipment must be cleaned after leaving a water body. This regulation prevents the spread of invasive species like zebra mussels that can consume important food resources necessary for the survival of juvenile fi sh. Example: It is illegal to possess a threatened or endangered species. To distribute the catch Example: A possession limit of 20 channel catfi sh prevents an angler from keeping more than his/her share and protects populations so that there is fi shing opportunity for all anglers. To maximize reproduction Example: A slot limit prevents an angler from keeping a walleye between 20 and 28 inches in length at Sherman Reservoir. This regulation ensures that reproductive female walleye will remain in the population so the walleye fi shery at the reservoir is sustainable. This also allows walleye eggs to be collected by fi sheries biologists from female walleye at Sherman and then hatched at a state fi sh hatchery and stocked in water bodies throughout the state. Angler safety Example: Equipment requirements such as life jackets, oars, and bailing buckets when fi shing from a boat protect anglers in the event of a mishap. ETHICS What is the difference between regulations and ethics? Regulations are the laws. Ethics are the moral code that all anglers should follow. PHOTO BY JEFF KURRUS 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 42 CHAPTER 8 ● REGULATIONS AND ETHICS