Written By: Ru Xue Jiang
On Saturday, 1/14/23, the AYLUS Dix Hills Branch went to the Connetquot River State Park Preserve to learn about how to make fishing hooks, their impact on the environment and animals, and how to combat previously stated negative impacts on the environment.
Members were taught to flatten any barbs on the fishing hook to allow fishes to be easily removed from the hook whenever caught. This promotes more sustainable fishing for those who fish for fun because it does less damage to the fish and allows it to live longer after caught. Barbed wire on fishing hooks can cause injury to the animals that are caught on them. The barbs can make it difficult for the fish or other animal to be released without causing further harm, and can also lead to internal injuries or infections. Additionally, the use of barbed wire hooks increases the chances of the animal being caught and dying, which can have a negative impact on the ecosystem. It is also illegal in some countries or states to use barbed wire hooks for fishing. The fishing hooks used feathers from Roosters and Turkeys to make the bait seem alive when it flowed in the water.
Fishing baits that look like live animals are better for the fish’s well-being in catch and release fishing because they are more likely to be accepted by the fish as a natural food source. Fish are attracted to natural looking bait because it is more likely to mimic the food they would normally eat in their natural habitat. Non-live looking bait may not be as appealing to the fish, and they may be more likely to reject it or struggle to swallow it. This can cause injury or stress to the fish, making it less likely to survive after being released. Additionally, using live-looking bait can also reduce the amount of time the fish is out of water, which can increase its chances of survival.
AYLUS Dix Hills members thought the event was very interesting and learned many new facts and skills. We hope to continue this event in the future and spread awareness of this act to more people who fish for entertainment.
Volunteers: Ru Xue Jiang (2 hours and 30 minute), Sara Kong (2 hours), Nadia Khan (2 hours), Sydney Walters (2 hours), Brian Fan (2 hours), and Ming Chen (2 hours).
