Make Your Next Fishing Trip An Eco-Friendly One

(NAPSI)-The next time you go fishing, be an environmentally conscious angler and keep your favorite fishing spots clean to ensure that future generations can reap the many rewards of the sport, says BP Pro Bass Angler Judy Israel, an 11-year veteran on the professional bass fishing circuit. On tour 120 days a year, Israel spends the majority of her time fishing and she has some simple tips on how to make your next excursion more enjoyable and eco-friendly:

Lighten your load before you hit the road and the water

An eco-friendly fishing trip begins before you hit the water, so be sure to prepare your tow-vehicle (or car) and boat for the trip. Before you tackle the drive, get the "junk out of your trunk" and leave nonessential items housed on your boat at home. "You can save fuel by taking simple steps like lightening your vehicle's load and keeping your tires properly inflated," said Israel. "And, don't forget to stop at your local BP to fill up with quality fuel. With continuous use, quality fuel, like that at BP, can clean up a dirty engine caused by the use of low quality fuel, resulting in smoother acceleration, less hesitation, restored fuel economy and reduced emissions."

Before you cast your line, bait with the right hooks

Oftentimes, an angler's hook can get caught in a fish's mouth; by using bronze hooks, which rust out over time, you can reduce the risk of injuring the fish. Avoid stainless steel hooks, since they are very durable and have a higher chance of lingering within a fish's mouth after it has been released.

While on the water, choose lead-free sinkers

Sinkers are easy to lose and can end up sitting at the bottom of fishing spots for years. Most are made from lead, a highly toxic metal that has adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems of fish. Recently, eco-friendly alternative sinkers entered the market that are lead-free and some are even invisible to fish.

After you've reeled-in the "big catch"… release it

Be sure to release your fish after catching it, to help reduce bass mortality and to ensure this popular sport maintains a healthy fish stock for future generations. "Taking proper care of the species is the number-one priority of environmentally conscious anglers," said Israel. "It's exciting when you reel in a great catch, but releasing your fish back into its natural environment will keep the sport of bass fishing alive for a long time to come."

Although it may take some small, initial changes to make your fishing routine green, Israel says it pays to make the switch.

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