Code of Ethics - How do you rate?

[trent]

I was looking at the Federation of Fly Fishers website and came across their code of ethics. I'm just interested if you follow most of the items of the code. If not, why not. Are there any that you take particular issue with? I would say I act fairly closely in line with the code, but can't say I'm batting 1.000.

On another subject, it appears that we borrowed fairly heavily from their bylaws when our own were created. Anyone know the history of that?

T-

The following nine behaviors comprise the Federation of Fly Fishers' Code of Angling Ethics:

Angling ethics begin with understanding and obeying laws and regulations associated with the fishery. Fly anglers understand that their conduct relative to laws and regulations reflects on all anglers. Angling ethics begin with and transcend laws and regulations governing angling and the resources that sustain the sport.
The opportunity to participate in the sport of fly fishing is a privilege and a responsibility. Fly anglers respect private property and always ask permission before entering or fishing private property. They seek to understand and follow the local customs and practices associated with the fishery. They share the waters equally with others whether they are fishing or engaging in other outdoor activities.
Fly fishers minimize their impact on the environment and fishery by adopting practices that do not degrade the quality of the banks, waters, and the overall watersheds upon which fisheries depend. These practices include avoiding the introduction of species not native to an ecosystem, and cleaning and drying fishing gear to prevent the inadvertent transport of invasive exotics that may threaten the integrity of an aquatic ecosystem. In simplest terms, fly anglers always leave the fishery better than when they found it.
Fly anglers endeavor to conserve fisheries by understanding the importance of limiting their catch. "Catch and release" is an important component of sustaining premium fisheries that are being over-harvested. Fly anglers release fish properly and with minimal harm. They promote the use of barbless hooks and angling practices that are more challenging but which help to sustain healthy fish populations.
Fly anglers do not judge the methods of fellow anglers. Fly fishers share their knowledge of skills and techniques. They help others to understand that fly-fishing contributes to sound fisheries conservation practices.
Fly anglers treat fellow anglers as they would expect to be treated. They do not impose themselves on or otherwise interfere with other anglers. They wait a polite time, and then, if necessary, request permission to fish through. They may invite other anglers to fish through their positions. Fly fishers when entering an occupied run or area always move in behind other anglers, not in front of them whether in a boat or wading.
Fly anglers when sharing the water allow fellow anglers ample room so as not to disturb anyone's fishing experience. They always fish in a manner that causes as little disturbance as practical to the water and fish. They take precautions to keep their shadow from falling across the water (walking a high bank).
When fishing from watercraft fly anglers do not crowd other anglers or craft. They do not block entrances to bays or otherwise impede others. Fly anglers do not unnecessarily disturb the water by improperly lowering anchors or slapping the water with paddles or oars.
Fly anglers always compliment other anglers and promote this Code of Angling Ethics to them whether they fish with a fly or not.


The following is a shortened version suitable to be carried by the angler:
Fly anglers understand and obey laws and regulations associated with the fishery.
Fly anglers believe fly fishing is a privilege and a responsibility.
Fly anglers conserve fisheries by limiting their catch.
Fly anglers do not judge fellow anglers and treat them as they would expect to be treated.
Fly anglers respect the waters occupied by other anglers so that fish are not disturbed
When fishing from a watercraft, fly anglers do not crowd other anglers or craft or unnecessarily disturb the water.
Fly anglers respect other angling methods and promote this Code of Angling Ethics to all anglers.


© Copyright by the Federation of Fly Fishers, Inc. 2002

[flyfishingpastor]

I don't know about that "so that fish are not disturbed" part. I mean, do the fish care about us? I've seen PLENTY of disturbed fly fishers in my day and have even been one on occasion.

Seriously though; this "code" seems pretty reasonable to me. I try to comport myself in such a manner as to let others enjoy our great sport as much as I do and make sure I leave the stream I fish better than I find it.

Pat

[rstaight]

I do try to follow these ethics. But like Pat, its tough to be perfect.

Has far has the clubs by-laws, yes we did borrow from the FFF code of ethics. Why Not ? What the FFF has written is the Golden Rule but for fly fishers.

[barryl]

A lot of respect and common sense goes a long way towards most any thing.

[trent]

I guess the one thing that stuck out to me was this phrase:

"The opportunity to participate in the sport of fly fishing is a privilege and a responsibility."

It may be splitting hairs, but I don't agree with the use of the word "privilege". That implies "entitlement or immunity" granted to a specific person or group. In my mind, there is no privilege necessary and anyone can pursue fly fishing if they so desire. Now, there may be some "privilege" in being accepted into the fly fishing community just like any other group, however loosely defined, has its own rights of passage, etc.

I also don't like the use of the word "responsibility" much either. I don't view my "participation" as some kind of inherent responsibility. I think if I choose to pursue the sport for whatever reasons make sense to me, I have some responsibilities to the fishery and other fishermen and women.

Probably the one other thing that I'm not 100% on board with is the barbless hooks. I know a lot of people feel pretty strongly about that issue, but I'm not one of them. I'll crimp my barbs in places where I'm required to do so, but outside of that, it isn't a huge deal to me. I, of course, want to minimize damage to the fish, but I think that fish can be damaged much easier by playing the fish too long, not making sure it is with it when it is released, etc. Just my $0.02.

[krebsie]

Why is it that human being always seem to want to regulate everything? Rules Rules Rules! BAAH! Every rule, every law, every regulation, is a gradual removing of Freedom. What is the definition of Freedom? I can give you my opinion! It's not the ability to do as I choose! That would be anarchy! The rights and wrongs of life, have been written on every mans heart. Everyone knows that steeling is wrong! Everyone knows that lying is wrong!... Nobody has to tell you these things. Went to Papua New Guinea on a mission trip several years ago. The village we went to had no outside contact, ever. Know what the village laws were? Don't steel, don't lie, don't take anyone else's wife...So, if I, knowing these things, am allowed to govern myself by these things,,, That's Freedom !!!
For me, when I see a list of rules like this, is rubs me wrong. Why do we have to be told how to act, how to present ourselves, how we must conform... If we simply do what we know is right then no law/rules/regulations are required!
How you like that for $.02 cents worth!!
Krebsie

[radioflyer]

As a very proud member of the FFF I believe the code of ethics to be a noble ideal. No one can follow the whole letter of the law. I'm bound by a 'code of ethics' at work. My kids are bound by a 'code of ethics' at school. If I don't want to follow them I can quit my job. If the kids don't we take them out of school.

My .02? If you don't like the FFF code of ethics...then don't join! And why are we hammering the FFF code of ethics all of a sudden on this board?


rf

[rstaight]

Trent,

We are, privileged to be able to enjoy the sport of flyfishing. If you don't like fly fishing, it's your "privilege" not to partake.

It's like getting your drivers license, it's a "privilege" to drive. It's not an inherient wright. But with that "privilege" comes "responsibility". You have the "responsibility" to follow "the rules of the road".

Along with Radio, How did this thread get started hammering the FFF Code of Ethics?

[flyfishingpastor]

I guess I don't see the FFF being hammered here? The FFF is a fine institution that has done a lot for fly fishing - certainly on the training/certification of casting instructors, among other things - I honestly don't know much about them other than that aspect of their organization.

What I see in this thread is some guys simply stating their opinions but I didn't see anything that was mean spirited in any of the posts so far - or did I miss something? I didn't get the feeling that anyone posting here had any particular axe to grind with FFF or their code of ethics; just talkin' across the "electronic fence" with some neighbors and trying to get some conversation going. It MAY have worked!

Pat

[barryl]

I like Pat explanation of this process it seems reasonable. And Krebs the initiation of laws is not for those who know the difference of right and wrong but a necessary tool for those who don't follow what they know to be in their hearts. And it's hard for many of us to imagine but some don't know right from wrong if everybody did we wouldn't need the field of psychiatry.
As for the code it is more a statement of what is expected, more of a guide line. You are not bound by any law just your own conscience and convictions. This is not meant in any way to dilute it's importance. Look at the mess our economy is in mostly do to the lack of ethics.
Trent wording is in the mind of the reader, many people don't like the wording of "obey" in a marriage ceremony (mostly women, and can you blame them really?) but others see no fault in leaving it in.

[trent]

As I read back through, I don't see where anyone was "hammering" the Code of Ethics. I put it out here with the hope of generating some meaningful discussion.

Granted, I didn't anticipate a treatise on natural law or moral imperatives, but that is interesting never the less.

If, as Rick said, the FFF Code is more or less the "Golden Rule(s)" of fly fishing, I think it is worthwhile to take a look and be able to discuss the ideas that are presented without anyone feeling personally affronted.

Everyone has their own set of standards to which they hold themselves and to which they are held. As I said in my original post, I feel I behave closely in line with the suggested behaviors which would imply that I think the ideas have merit.

It is interesting to consider the development of any "code" over time. If fly fishing has its origins with ancient peoples, that is a long time over which to develop an "ethos" and for it to develop into the "sport" we practice today vs. simply a means of putting food on the table by whatever methods possible.

[flyfishingpastor]

Barry;

I haven't used the word "obey" in marriage vows in 20 years! Why? Because, women felt objectified - like they were chattel to be given to the highest bidder - which they were, in the not-so-distant past. So, while I heartily agree with you that wording is in the mind of the reader; sometimes we take that for granted. Language is a powerful thing and rarely means exactly the same thing to two people with different backgrounds/generations.

Having said that, I think there is a generational exception made to/with the word "privilege" used in the code. In older generations (like mine and even older) privilege is more clearly understood in the broadest sense. So a privilege is something closely attuned to a gift - and not to be taken for granted nor abused - lest it be withdrawn. However, younger generations often, and rightfully, in my opinion, more narrowly interpret "privilege" and challenge the broader interpretation. For instance, fishing, in the great state of Indiana is something anyone with the license can participate in and if I buy a license to do something, is it a gift? As long as you obey the laws you can fish however you choose and keep as many, or not, as legally permissible. So, perhaps fishing is a gift and perhaps it is a purchase - it all depends on how YOU interpret it. There are nuances that differentiate moral, ethical and legal interpretations.

I'd be interested to know when the FFF Code of Ethics was written? I'd guess not in the past couple of decades. I'm guessing, if it were written today, the language used would be different and whether it should be or not is a matter of personal opinion. Personally, and this is my OPINION, I like the inclusion of the word privilege - it reflects my own attitude towards fly fishing, that I am very lucky to be able to pursue something I love so much with the people I love so much and I need to be mindful that if I don't do my part, my grandaughters won't have the same blessings of Creation that I now enjoy. I take that seriously.

Good post. I LIKE hearing different sides and personal opinions; it helps me form a broader perspective.

Pat

[radioflyer]

My apologies for getting on my high horse and stomping on a civil discussion. I never intend to take any of my ff friends differently than in the way they intended. Guess I'm getting old for my age. Discuss away!

rf

[trent]

Pat, from everything I can tell, the code was published originally in 2002. That's not to say that it wasn't written by people who primarily represent the ideologies of older generations, in fact I would be surprised if it wasn't. That may be informative on the choice of phrase.

I also think there are two uses of privilege, one that is used in the more "legalistic" or narrower sense and then the one that gets bantered about in everyday conversation, e.g. the parent that tells their children what a privilege it is that they get to go to school and get an education, when by law they are required to send their children to school. Someone could also say it is was a privilege to have been able to travel to and view the Grand Canyon, but in reality anyone who can get there can see it, much in the same vein as someone who buys the fishing license.

That said, it is a privilege to be able to discuss this minutiae with you fine folks. Clearly, I need some sunshine and decent weather to get outside and not spend my time indoors thinking about getting outdoors.