
>>If you happen to catch a fish you cannot identify, and are certain that it is not an alien fish, please release it. Better still, take a photo of it.Let's be good role models and practise ethical fishing.Fishing has become a fast developing recreational activity in Malaysia. However, certain issues have emerged to challenge us.
Issues like reduced fish stocks due to habitat destruction, threat from alien fish, deteriorating environment and poor behaviour among certain fishermen are some of them. We anglers need to show the way and do it right.
If we approach fishing in an ethical and conservation-conscious way, the results will be there for us to enjoy. There will still be fish in our rivers, lakes and seas, we will not see rubbish strewn on the banks or floating in the water, and we will not be irritated by other fishermen's conduct.
But the change must start with us. Let's be the role models, and practice ethical fishing!
Below are some general rules of ethical fishing to practice. Some of these rules were adapted from the fishing rules set by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), a body representing anglers worldwide.
Fishing equipment
LINES
~ Use an appropriate line. A line that's too fine will easily break and leave the fish swimming with a hook in its mouth.
~ Mainlines: monofilament (nylon) or multifilament (braided) may be used. Wire lines are prohibited
~ Leader: the use of a leader is not required. If one is used, then it must meet the following specifications:
i)The leader must be connected to the line with a snap, knot, splice or other device. There are no regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader.
ii)The maximum lengths for leaders are as follows:
~ Saltwater, up to 20Ib (10kg) line: 15ft (4.57m.).
~ Saltwater, 20Ib-130Ib (60kg) line: 30ft (9.14m.).
~ Freshwater, all line sizes: 6ft (1.82m.).
HOOKS
For live or dead bait fishing: no more than two single hooks may be used. Both must be firmly embedded or attached to the bait. The use of a dangling or swinging hook is prohibited. Double or treble hooks are prohibited.
~ A two-hook rig for bottom fishing is only acceptable if it consists of single hooks on separate leaders or droppers. Both hooks must be embedded in the respective baits, and separated sufficiently so that a fish caught on one hook cannot be foul-hooked by the other.
Hooks for lures: when using an artificial lure with a skirt or trailing material, attach no more than two single hooks to the line, leader or trace, The trailing hook should not extend more than a hook's length beyond the skirt of the lure.
~ Treble or double hooks are permissible on lures.
~ Use barbless hooks whenever possible. They are just as effective as barbed ones, and sometimes better. And they are much more humane to both fish and angler.
REELS
~ Reels must comply with sporting ethics and customs.
~ Power-driven reels of any kind are discouraged and prohibited in all competitions or record applications. These include motor, hydraulic or electrically driven reels and any other device that gives unfair advantage to the angler.
~ Ratchet-handle reels are also discouraged and prohibited from competitions or record applications.
RODS
~ Rods must comply with sporting ethics and customs.
~ The rod tip (from the centre of the reel to the tip) must be a minimum of 40in (101.6cm). The rod butt (from centre of reel to end of butt) cannot exceed 27in. (68.58cm).
~ The above measurements do not apply to surfcasting, coarse fishing and pole fishing rods.
~ Check for safety first, when you want to wade or use a boat. Seek advice regarding safety for the specific river, lake or sea before you set out on your own. Remember, only cats have nine lives!
Fishing etiquette
~ Respect other fishermen. They need their own space to fish. Do not encroach into their "fishing zone".
~ Be courteous to other fishermen. Get their agreement if you intend to fish near them.
~ Do not make unnecessary noise.
~ Do not disturb the water unnecessarily by wading, washing etc.
~ If you are boating near other fishermen, slow down your boat, so as to minimise the disturbance.
~ Always think about safety for yourself and others, Do not leave sharp objects lying around unattended. Wear a personal floatation device (PFD) like lifejacket at all times when you are on the water.
Fish conservation
Our fish stocks are now under pressure, from pollution habitat degradation and over fishing Anglers need to reduce this pressure. Every good deed you do will help.
ENDANGERED FISH
Some fish species are now endangered or even close to extinction. Whenever you happen to catch one, please release it with care
~ Endangered freshwater fish: kelesa, temoleh, roman bunga (jaloi, jalai, kerandang), jengkua, kelah (except National Park rivers), wild jelawat, wild patin like patin muncung, kenderap, gerahak, sikang.
~ Endangered saltwater fish: all billfish like ikan layar (sailfish) and mersuji (marlin), big sharks and kerapu bara (coral trout)
CATCH LIMITS
There are many species which, though not endangered, still need our help to sustain their stocks.
You need to follow certain catch limits. These catch limits may vary from one water to another, but as a general guide, you need to release the small fish to give them a chance to grow and the big ones to give them a chance to propagate.
Practising catch and release
~ Try to land the fish as fast as you can, This prevents the build-up of lactic acid in its body to fatal levels.
~ Use a landing net, not a gaff. The net mesh should be of material that causes minimal damage to the fish (e.g. knotless mesh).
~ Wet your hands before handling the fish. This prevents the fish from losing too much of its protective slime covering.
~ If possible, keep the fish in the water while you unhook it. After unhooking, revive the fish: hold it by the tail in the water move it forwards and backwards until its tail starts to kick, then let it go.
~ If you wish to take photos, do it as quickly as possible, Do not hold the fish vertically (this may damage its organs and tissues). Support it with both hands in a horizontal position.
~ Unless you are fishing in a commercial pond, you should NOT release an alien fish.
Fish tagging programmers
Efforts are now being made to tag certain species to monitor their growth rates and behaviour patterns.
Tagging of sailfish in both the South China Sea and Straits of Malacca has been initiated by Malaysian Fishing Association (Persatuan Memancing Malaysia PeMM).
The kelah of Sungai Tahan are also being tagged by the Kelah Sanctuary organization.
The tag is usually a plastic dart attached to the fish's dorsal fin. If you happen to catch a tagged fish, please follow the procedure below:
~ Do not pull out the tag, unless the fish has died.
~ Note down the code number and any other particulars printed on the tag.
~ Record the following: weight of the fish, its standard length (from snout to base of tail), its total length (from snout to end of tail), the girth (the biggest circumference around the belly), exact location of the catch, water conditions, date, time, weather conditions, bait/lure used.
~ Release the fish if possible.
~ Contact the relevant organisation and relay the above information.
The threat from alien fish
The last few years has seen more and more alien species appearing in our waters, mainly via the aquarium and aquaculture industries. There is insufficient research done on the negative effects of these species on our local fish, but observations by many fishermen show that the threat is real.
Some alien fish breed very fast, forage on the eggs and fry of local fish and even destroy the habitat.
The end result will be stunted fishes, or reduced fish stocks.
We can't afford to wait for scientific research on this issue. We need to take action now, If you catch any of these alien species in natural water (river, lake, naturalised quarry or mining lake etc), DO NOT RELEASE them back into the water. Cull them and donate them to a good cause.
Some of these aliens include:
~ The Cichlids: Flower horns, peacock bass, jaguar cichlids, kerapu lombong, tilapia (all types)
~ The Carps: Grass carp, leekoh (common carp), bighead carp, silver carp, rohu
~ The Catfish: African keli and Russian catfish
~ Other alien species: pacu, lamparn jawa, sucker mouth (bandaraya fish)
>> Even a local species may be considered an "alien" for particular water, when its introduction creates harm to the other indigenous species. Selective culling may be needed here.<<
Protecting the environment
CLEANLINESS
~ Take back everything that you brought for your fishing. Leave nothing behind.
~ Bring large dustbin bags: you can also collect other people's rubbish. Be a role model, and others will follow.
~ Be extra careful with discarded fishing lines, plastic bags and small fishing leads. These things kill birds, fish and other animals. Cut your discarded fishing lines into short lengths, then dispose in rubbish bags.
~ Tin cans and plastic bags make perfect homes for mosquitoes. Bring them home!
MAINTAINING WATER QUALITY
~ Do not dirty the water.
~ If there are no toilets in the vicinity, do not urinate or defecate in or near the water. Do your business away from the water. Make a hole in the ground, and cover it when you are finished.
~ In stillwaters, do not excessively ground bait (berley) your swim. Ton much ground baiting deteriorates the water quality.
~ Do not release chemical liquids (e.g. detergents, oils, even carbonated drinks) into the water or by the banks where they can leach back into the water.
~ Do not use excessive insecticides (eg.insect sprays) and chemical deterrents (e.g. sulphur powder). Some of these harmful chemicals may end up in the water.
CARE FOR THE SURROUNDINGS AND VEGETATION
~ Try not to cut down any vegetation on or near the water, This vegetation may he home to insects, a major food source for the fish.
~ If you intend to camp, use specified or ready-made campsites. Try not to clear new ground. Exposed earth ends up as silt in the river after heavy rains, destroying fish habitat and affecting breeding,
~ Do not make open fires unless it is really necessary. A stove is always more eco-friendly. If you do make an open fire, make sure it doesn't spread to nearby vegetation. Always douse the fire completely before you leave.
~ Never leave cut saplings protruding from the ground at campsites or jungle trails. They act like spears when you fall on them! Cut them at the base, if you have to, leaving no sharp points.
~ Leave nothing but footprints and shoot only with cameras!