Care / EDITORIAL 03

What to do with the line someone left

Small pieces deserve more attention than their size suggests.

An angler at a grassy, tree-lined lakeshore
Alicia Christin Gerald / Unsplash

Collect only what you can handle safely

Loose fishing line is worth noticing, but hooks, unstable ground, and wildlife can make retrieval unsafe. Do not reach into a dangerous position to tidy a place. Where you cannot safely deal with something, use the relevant local reporting route or alert the site manager.

Contain what you remove

Put line and sharp items in a secure container rather than a pocket or an open bag. Keep children and animals away from collected hooks. Choose suitable disposal or recycling options available locally.

Make your own system easier

Bring a practical rubbish container and check the position before leaving. Account for the short offcuts as well as the obvious packaging. A habit at your own feet is a useful contribution even when you cannot repair everything you find.

Treat people, wildlife, and access with care. Follow the instructions for the particular place you are visiting.
Next: The gate belongs in the fishing story ↗