What method of fishing has the least amount of impact on a fish
Fly fishing, because one single hook is used. If you push down the barb on the hook, it is easily removed and causes a lot less damage to the fish. This method gives the fish a better chance for survival after release and ensures more fishing for the future.

Do you feel it is important for people who use our waterways to play a significant role in those efforts? Why?
Absolutely. It's important to try and preserve our waterways. I try to pick up any trash I see along the way, and encourage others to do the same. Following limits set for fishing and obeying laws created to protect the habitat will keep up the fish populations.

In addition to catch and release methods, what else can people do to preserve and protect waterways?
It's important that everyone helps keep our environment clean. Participating in event such as River Keepers helps out, or supporting organizations trying to help our environment, is something everyone can do. Organizations such as Heritage Conservancy are helping to preserve the land by decreasing development and preserving our wetlands. Just by purchasing a license, we are helping preserve the habitat. The license we pay for gives the commission enough money to protect the environment.

What organization do you feel is leading the way?
PA Fish and Boat Commission is the best organization that knows about the health and quality of water for the fish.

How important is it to educate our next generation of fishermen?
Teaching our kids is an important step, so that future generations will try and protect our waterways. Teaching our kids how to help the environment, and the practice of catch and release, will ensure fishing for the future.

What is being done to encourage these practices at an earlier age?
Trout Unlimited has kids' programs to get them involved to help them build habitat, add rocks, clean up streams, etc. to improve water quality. PA fish and boat Commission's PLAY (PA League of Angling Youth- www.fish.state.pa.us) started in 1981 to get conservation and safety information into the hands of kids between 8 and 12.