Fishing Etiquette: Unwritten Rules Every Angler Should Know

Fishing etiquette? It comes down to one idea the Alaska Department of Fish and Game calls the Golden Rod: "don't do to other anglers what you don't want done to you." Give other anglers space, never crowd someone playing a fish, keep your wake down, share the good spots, and leave the water and parking areas cleaner than you found them.

Below are the rules anglers expect on the bank, in a boat and at the ramp. Fishing with friends this season? Our fishing hats come with a custom name.

Why fishing etiquette matters

Most fishing rules are unwritten. In an editorial on sport fishing etiquette, ADF&G describes boats cutting others off, motoring too close to watch someone land a fish, and wakes that rock small skiffs, and sums it up: "be responsible, respectful, and reasonable" (ADF&G: Sport Fishing Etiquette). Good manners also keep popular spots open and friendly for everyone.

Fishing etiquette from the bank

• Give space. Do not set up within casting distance of someone already fishing. If you want to fish nearby, ask first.
• Watch your back cast. Look behind you before every cast, especially near trails and other anglers.
• Don't crowd parking areas. Tenkara Angler's list of unwritten rules suggests avoiding pull-offs that already hold more than two cars and walking up or down stream to find unpressured water (Tenkara Angler: Unwritten Rules of Fishing Etiquette).
• Don't jump ahead. On a stream, walking in just above someone who is working upstream takes their water. Go around with plenty of room.
• Keep noise down. Shouting and loud music carry over water.

Fishing etiquette on a boat

ADF&G's list for boaters:

• Minimize your wake, especially near smaller craft.
• Give someone playing a fish plenty of room.
• Give yourself more than enough room to maneuver in current and wind.
• Take turns on the drift; you don't always need the inside line.
• Know and follow the navigation rules of the road.
• Don't motor inside casting distance of people fishing from shore.

Boat ramp etiquette

• Load your gear, remove straps and get the boat ready in the parking area, not on the ramp.
• Launch, move the boat away from the ramp and park the trailer quickly so the next person can go.
• When you come in, wait your turn and pull the boat clear before you strap it down.
• Offer a hand to a new boater rather than a lecture.

What is the golden rule of fishing?

The Golden Rod: treat other anglers the way you want to be treated. If you would be annoyed by it on your favorite spot, don't do it on someone else's.

Leave no trace

• Pack out line, hooks, bait containers and trash. Loose line can tangle birds and wildlife.
• Follow your state's limits and size rules, and carry your license.
• If you release fish, handle them quickly and keep them wet.
• Close gates and respect private property signs.

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Fishing hats for your crew

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FAQ

What are some good fishing etiquette rules?

Give other anglers space, never crowd someone playing a fish, keep your wake down, take turns at good spots, be quick at the ramp and pack out your trash.

What is the golden rule of fishing?

Don't do to other anglers what you don't want done to you. ADF&G calls it the Golden Rod.

How close is too close to another angler?

A good rule is to stay out of their casting distance. If you need to fish nearby, ask first.

What is the 80/20 rule in fishing?

Anglers use it to mean that a small share of the water holds most of the fish. It is a rule of thumb, not an etiquette rule, and it is one more reason to share the best spots.