Group.....
So often, anglers run afoul of one another, often simply out of not really knowing the right thing to do. This happens on trout streams as well as on the tropical salt water flats.
Those of us who spend a lot of time on the flats here in the Florida Keys, could write volumes on what we call, "flats etiquette." To us it is of the utmost importance, since an improper approach by another flats fisherman can spoil the fishing in a large area. When this happens, the flats fish may literally leave the area, and may not return until another tide or another day. I'm going to see if some of our "flats guys and gals" will help write an article on this.
As far as the etiquette of fly fishing in fresh water venues is concerned, I've found two writings which I'll recommend strongly:-
I. TROUT, Ernie Schwiebert, Vol. II., Chapter 12., "Ethics, Manners, and Philosophy Astream" pp. 1595 - 1617.
II. FLY FISHING STRATEGY, Doug Swisher & Carl Richards, Chapter 15, "Stream Courtesy", pp. 177 - 179.
Basically, proper fishing etiquette in any setting.....fresh or salt, should boil down to a combination of common sense and the, "golden rule". Unfortunately, it gets a lot more complicated than than as we get more and more anglers and heavier fishing pressure from both knowledgable and caring fishermen........and some who are neither.
There is also the complication of occasional collision between fly fishermen and those who choose to use different tackle and methods. In past years, we fly fishermen were considered, "snobs" who looked down on these other folks. Most of us have now learned to respect the pursuits of bait and spin/plug fishermen.....so that aspect is changing for the better.
Our waters, both fresh and salt, are being increasingly used for other pleasures......boating and other sports which make it even more difficult. One of our very finest tarpon areas, for example, is no longer "fishable" on weekends because of use by boaters who anchor right in the path of the tarpon schools and picnic, swim, and play loud music while some of them run high speed, noise polluting jet ski's, scaring fish for miles around.
Questions on the oral MCI exam will often be asked.....but far more important than that, is the fact that as fly casting instructors with the FFF label, we need to be particularly careful with this aspect of our fishing. By spending time helping new casters to understand these things as we teach, we'll be helping ourselves and our sport.
Gordy