Know the Code

We Respect Knowledge.
We Respect Other Anglers.
We Respect the Resource.
We Respect the Future.
We Respect the Fish.

We respect knowledge and pledge to:

  • Fish with an in-depth knowledge of the species we pursue and the fisheries we utilize.
  • Understand and employ sustainable fishing techniques and gear, even if it challenges us.
  • Understand and follow local customs and practices associated with the fisheries we utilize.
  • Be aware of our fishing skills and equipment limitations and continually strive to improve them.

We respect other anglers and outdoor enthusiasts and pledge to:

  • Share the waters equally with others whether they are fishing or engaging in other outdoor activities.
  • Never compete, interfere with, or encroach upon other anglers while they are in pursuit of fish.

We respect the resource and pledge to:

  • Obey all applicable laws and regulations. Obtain appropriate tags and licenses. Obey harvest and possession limits.
  • Adhere to honorable behavior beyond the scope of law and in a way that will not compromise long-term integrity of the fish populations or habitat.
  • Limit unnecessary advantages in our pursuit and never employ unethical fishing methods or gear.
  • Obtain permission from landowners and never trespass on private lands or waters.
  • Never spill or dump gasoline, oil or other pollutants on land or into the water.
  • Never leave trash behind.

We respect the future and pledge to:

  • Never abuse, monopolize or privatize our public resources.
  • Share the attitudes, skills and principles essential to fair chase pursuit of fish.
  • Foster and nurture ethical, respectful and honorable behavior in young or beginner anglers.
  • Share this “code” with other anglers.

We respect the fish and pledge to:

  • Do all in our power to ensure the healthy release of fish not intended for consumption.
  • Harvest only the fish needed for consumption.
  • Properly handle harvested fish to avoid waste.
  • Practice and promote the spirit and principles of fair chase, and insist angling companions do likewise.

57 thoughts on “Know the Code”

  1. William Benjamin white says:

    Thank you guys so much for what you’re doing. I believe it’s super important to raise awareness about respecting wildlife. Especially catch and release for species like largemouth bass. I’m very excited that I found this website. I will be a frequent visitor! Thank you so much again. Tight lines!

    Reply
    • Jeff Chun says:

      I would really like to buy some of these items but can’t get it to work or sign in. Need help please. The website is not working correctly to buy something, log in or contact them. Is it just me?
      Justreelitin

      Reply
  2. Bo McDonald says:

    I am a lifelong fisherman with a healthy addiction to bass fishing. Ive always been a conservationist so that future generations can enjoy the outdoors as much as I do.I am so excited and honored that I have found this site and I congratulate and respect you for putting my and many others belief in The Code into words. Thanks so much for all that you do and for all that you are.

    Reply
  6. Leo Bouchard says:

    I would like to see if you all would consider helping our cause to bring all outdoor businesses into one location on the internet. My father was one of the top Marine Biologists in the Country and has instilled fishing into my veins. I created younto.com so that people would have an easier time finding places to go throughout their travels in the United States. Now we are getting more and more support from outdoor businesses and would like to work with you.

    Reply
  14. Steven Melhorn says:

    I wish more people respected the environment and thought about the results of their actions. Thanks for your work.

    Reply
  27. Donald says:

    AWESOME!!!!!!!! I have bought all 7 of my grandkids their lifetime hunting and fishing license and will teach each of them the code.

    Reply
  29. Kathy Rusert says:

    As a Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs (HOFNOD) sponsor, this is definitely a website that I will share with my students.

    Reply
  34. dave nawrocki says:

    Well this ” code ” is the common sense that I have been doing in/on inland lakes,Great Lakes and now Salt water, for 50 years, keep up the good word

    Reply
  38. Howie says:

    Right on!! Lifetime fisherman who always leaves the day with so much broken line from others. Thanks for promoting lifelong clean water fishing. Respect the fish!!

    Reply
  39. tim says:

    i have been fishing for more than 40 years self naturalist taking care of hurt and injured animals is my way of life love the land and sea only take what you need for the meal do not over catch your limit waste not want not if you bring it in you take it out i go to a lot of places where you have to walk in and out no motor vehicles act s just you and the land and god and nature that’s all you need keep it clean watch your fire make sure they are out befor leaving the area raise your young to respect the way’s of the land enjoy what we have before it is gone thank you for this site keep passing the word

    Reply
  41. Geoffrey says:

    In my area, a lot of landowners don’t let ppl fish in their ponds bc of other ppl maybe weeks, months, or even yrs b4 didn’t respect the resources. Sometimes if they were told no, they would find a way to sneak on the property and start fishing anyway, some get caught while others don’t. But the main reason I get when I ask and they say no is bc they had let others fish there and they would leave all their trash even if it was some line that they cut off or bait packs and one guy I asked is a preacher and a guy asked him and he let the guy go n told him that he didn’t want the guy bringing other ppl out there, well the guy went out there on a Sunday morning when the owner was at church and he got caught with 6 other ppl n were drinking n breaking the bottles and they threw their bait packages n other trash on in ground n even in the water. So one disrespectful ahole ruined it for everyone else. I guess some ppl just don’t have any respect for anything and don’t realize that their actions have an effect on other ppl too.

    Reply
  42. Jennifer says:

    Huge respect to you and your pledge. I just fish for leisure and love rainbow trout. But , I follow and always respect the laws. I believe in conservation and never keep unless it’s what , I will eat and is a legal catch. It’s a beautiful sport and passed down generations. Healthy way to relieve stress and be one with nature. Much respect and thank you. Love your fishing is my drug. Smiles Jennifer D ..Marysville Wa

    Reply
  48. Tricia says:

    Teach our young to fish and respect the fish so there’s always food available,and the extras after cleaning can feed our animals!

    Reply
  49. Sandra A Juroff says:

    We Respect Knowledge.
    We Respect Other Anglers.
    We Respect the Resource.
    We Respect the Future.
    We Respect the Fish.

    I would like a decal please!!
    632 Severn St Henderson , NV 89002

    Reply
  50. Steve Dear says:

    I got away from Bass Fishing and fishing in general about 15 years or more ago , then My 25 year old Daughter who I used to take fishing got back into fishing and I am back the way I used to be which was all fired up to fish . I am now bringing a Aluminum Bass Boat back from the dead that My Dad started to refurbish , and he quit and since he died last Jan, I made it my mission to finish that job , after taking everything out of the hull and now replacing stern wood and all the deck wood and carpet , fresh paint and everything on the trailer replaced and painted, We are well on our way to more memories on the water ! Thanks and keep up the great work

    Reply
  51. Shezka says:

    I really love this code. It’s very simple, to the point, but all around fair. You guys certainly have my support through all of this.

    Reply
  53. Benjamin says:

    I really like what you guys are doing. When I first saw the logo plastered on a picture I thought to myself, “Oh gosh, here comes another movement”.

    I was really surprised though. These are essentially the same rules that we learned growing up. Ask the Smiths if you plan to fish on their part of the creek, only kill if you plan to eat it, pick up after yourself, respect your prey, be humane, and enjoy the hunt.

    Awesome work to everybody on the project. No laws or suits. Just good old fashioned respect and knowledge.

    Reply
  54. Elina Rowlett says:

    You guys are awesome! Every fisherperson should adhere to this code. Keep the natural order of things in place, for now and the future.

    Reply

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