Fishing Code of Ethics

No fly or lure may have more than one single hook. Double or treble hooks very often cause severe damage to the fish, preventing their effective release.

The use of barbless hooks is encouraged, as the hook can often be dislodged right in the water without touching the fish. Fish are actually more easily hooked on barbless hooks, since hooks with barbs form a wedge which does not always penetrate the hard bony mouth of a mature trout.

Remember the last time you had a good fish on and the line suddenly went slack? As well, fish hooked on barbless hooks are no more easily lost than usual since you have the fish on until you back out the hook exactly the way it went in.

If you must handle the fish yourself, be certain your hands are unsoiled and wet, so as to not destroy their protective mucous film. Use a landing net to prevent the trout from damaging themselves. They are a delicate species. Never put your fingers in their gills for this is like puncturing a lung. Never squeeze the fish, as vital organs are easily damaged. Fish that are bleeding slightly will survive without difficulty.

Don't play a fish too long. To revive a tired fish, hold it gently but firmly by the tail in one hand, cradle it underneath the head with the other and gently move the fish back and forth in its natural swimming rhythm. Do not release a tired fish too soon, wait until it has completely recovered, as trout released too soon can often swim out of sight, lose their equilibrium and eventually die, or get eaten by a pike.

To strengthen the local Brook Trout stocks, sportsmen are asked not to keep more than one large 'trophy' trout for their weekly bag. The remaining take should consist of mid-sized and small fish and of course Pike.

Larger trout tend to breed offspring of a larger strain. We could be releasing 3 to 5 pound trout on a consistent basis if we start protecting some of the larger fish now. Through it may 'hurt' a little there is no finer honour or sense of personal satisfaction to a true outdoorsman than releasing such fish for the enhancement of the species.

Wild native Brook Trout are a precious natural resource, which only you and I can protect.

Tomorrow's fishing enjoyment at Camp 1155 depends on today's thoughtfulness.

Thank you and Good Luck.