CFF Ten Commandments

  1. When fishing out of someone else’s boat, always insist upon sharing in the cost of gas and other expenses. Typically, the host fisherman will launch with a full tank of gas.  When the tank is topped off at the end of the day, the common practice is to divide the cost by the number of fishermen on board.  The cost of bait, ice, beverages, etc. should also be shared equally.
  2. If traveling any measurable distance to the launch point, guest fishermen should offer to share in the cost of gasoline for the automobile.
  3. The host fisherman or boat owner should always be reimbursed the cost of any and all lures, flies, or terminal tackle lost by the guest fisherman. The same holds true for any broken or damaged gear.
  4. Be respectful of the host fisherman’s boat and equipment. Every effort should be made to help keep it orderly and in good condition.  Making sure shoes are clean before boarding is a good start.
  5. Be sure to wear deck shoes, non-streaking tennis shoes, or other appropriate soft-soled shoes, especially when fishing from a fiberglass or composite boat. While trendy black-soled, tractor-tread sandals might be stylish in the fashion world, most of them play hell with light colored decks.  Scrubbing off the black marks they leave behind is a tough and labor intensive job.
  6. Ask your host what you can do to assist at the launch site. Each boat owner will likely have his own particular way of loading and unloading the boat.  It might not be the way you would do it, but it’s his way and his boat.
  7. With the exception of “common sense things” such as keeping a mindful eye for impact points and being prepared to fend the boat off from piers, piling and the like, do not take independent action on your own without asking or being told.  The best rule here is, “If you are not 100% sure of what you are doing, ASK.”
  8. Most host fishermen will gladly accept an offer to help with the cleaning of the boat at the end of the trip. While on the water and/or underway, an effort to wipe up footprints and fish waste (blood, sputum, etc.) is always appreciated.
  9. All maritime Rules Of The Road and DWF Regulations should be observed and abided by.
  10. Enjoy the day!
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