Understanding the Unspoken Rules of Fishing

Like any other activity that might involve several different groups of people in similar areas, there are some standard rules and guidelines that are generally accepted throughout the fishing world. These speak to a wide variety of fishing themes, and while certain rules might be written out for a given fishing spot in your area, there are also a number of "unspoken" rules that, broadly speaking, have become a nearly-universal part of fishing around the globe.

At Pybus Point Lodge, not only are we here to offer the very best in Alaskan fishing vacations, including comprehensive fishing packages, but also to assist all our clients with some of the traditional pieces of etiquette that are commonly observed during any of the programs we offer. While many of the rules and regulations for our fishing trips will be outlined specifically in documents our staff will be happy to obtain for you, here are a few of the unspoken rules of fishing that are generally accepted around the world.

Early Bird Gets the Worm

While this phrase is sometimes misused today, it's perfectly applicable to the realm of fishing. For anyone confused, its meaning here is straightforward: Within a fishing setting, the person or people who arrived at a given location first are those who get first access.

That is, if you arrive at your preferred fishing spot and find someone else already there, the spot is theirs for the day (or until they leave). It doesn't matter if you were there yesterday, or if you arrived just a minute before those fishing ahead of you. Simply, the early bird gets the worm.

Don't Crowd Others

Down similar lines to the above, fishing is a pursuit that requires some space between different anglers. Too many people all attempting to fish in the same small area will lead to frustration on the part of some, and generally a lessened experience for everyone involved due to a mixture of mixed lines, limited fish available and other issues.

This is why it's important to give others their space: When you arrive at any given fishing spot that has been claimed by someone else, it doesn't matter how much time they've been there or what type of license you hold. Even if they are fly fishing, you're not allowed to use that spot.

How much space should there be between anglers? This will depend on a few factors, including the types of fish in the area, whether there are boats present, and a few other factors. In smaller streams or narrow corridors, it may be necessary for anglers to be somewhat close to each other; on large areas of open water, on the other hand, you should always give other anglers ample space to fish.

Keep Things Clean

Fishing involves the use of an environment that does not belong to us, and as such it's our responsibility to keep things clean at all times. Take steps to reduce your environmental footprint when fishing, including using biodegradable fishing weights, always removing trash from your spaces after leaving the area and not littering.

Boaters Yield to Wade Fishers

In situations where both boats and shore-bound anglers are fishing in a given area, the right of way will generally go to those on the shore. If you're on the water, please be aware of anyone who may be fishing from the shoreline. Motor boats, in particular, will agitate the water and may cause fish to disperse, so their use should be handled with care.

"Resting" the Water

Speaking of the impact of motor boats on the water for fishing, there are situations where too much agitation of the water will scare all the fish away. There are also additional forms of agitation beyond motors, such as numerous lures hitting the surface of the water over a short period of time.

In these cases, a practice known as "resting" the water is recommended, and is even considered proper etiquette in public. This involves leaving at least a few minutes consecutively without any major activity on the water, letting the area reset itself and the flow of water return to normal. After a short period of quiet, fish that had left the area for safety will resume and begin their normal activities, at which point fishing can resume as well.

For more on the various unspoken rules of fishing and how to be sure you're never going against proper etiquette, or to learn about any of our Alaskan fishing adventures or lodge packages, speak to the staff at Pybus Point Lodge today.

REVIEWS

65% OF OUR GUESTS ARE RETURN CUSTOMERS

Discover why people like you can’t stop talking about Pybus Point Lodge. More than 30 years ago, the lodge opened as a simple fishing camp, drawing a devoted following in spite of basic accommodations. With new owners and experienced captains and crew, our corner of Alaska has become an unbeatable fishing and eco-tourism resort.

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Andrea Tate

Incredible Experience!

Pybus Point Lodge has some of the most stunning scenery I’ve ever seen. I mean absolutely breathtaking! In addition to the amazing fishing, I hiked to a beautiful secluded lake, soaked in some hot pots, saw several waterfalls, went whale watching, saw bears and all kinds of wildlife and marine life. As a photographer, photographing a wedding under a waterfall will remain a highlight of my life.

Shirley Johnson

Pybus Point Lodge - WOW!

We had the best time! This was our first visit to Pybus, but it definitely will not be our last. The stunning scenery, amazing fishing experience, and the joy of meeting new friends – all outstanding! We did not want to leave!!! If you are thinking about this trip – don’t think any more, just book it. You will not regret it!!!

Sharon Hedding

Trip of a Lifetime!

We had such an amazing time the staff was so wonderful and the lodge was fantastic! capt Joe was so helpful and always doing what ever he could do to make each day special. a special thank you to both Scott and Jody for taking the time to make us feel like family. can't wait to go back next year

Jason Nielsen

Wonderful and Magical Place

We had an amazing business retreat to Pybus Point Lodge. Everything was top notch... the fishing, the staff, the boat captains, the food, the accommodations, and especially the scenery. I really liked that Pybus took care of everything from start to finish. Chef John is an amazing cook. We had delicious hot meals the entire trip. The cabins were amazing and very comfortable. The fishing was awesome and that’s coming from a guy that doesn’t fish that much.

Brandon Foote

We brought home 100lbs of fish!

My wife and I spent a week at Pybus Point this Summer. We had a beautiful, private room overlooking the bay and our own new, ensuite, private bathroom. What an amazing place for couples to get away together. We set our own breakfast time, met our boat captain after, fished the day along, and returned to clean up and enjoy a nice dinner at the restaurant. Next time Alaska is on the trip list, Sherrie and I will go together, and it will be to Pybus Point!

Kent Danjanovich

Fun in Alaska

This was my first trip to Pybus Point. I stayed in one of their new cabins. The accommodations were incredible, the view onto the bay in the mornings was stunning. I loved the staff and the food was really very good. All of this and they have new boats to take you out onto fairly calm waters to fish. The fishing guides were great. Overall a great experience. Definitely going back.

Understanding the Unspoken Rules of Fishing

Early Bird Gets the Worm

Don't Crowd Others

Keep Things Clean

Boaters Yield to Wade Fishers

"Resting" the Water

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