Outdoor etiquette for fishers

The Outdoor etiquette encourages fishermen and hunters to take nature, other people, catches and game into account in all activities.

Take others into account in nature

Take other fishers and visitors into consideration. Being out in the nature and fishing in state-owned areas are for everyone.
Remember good manners: "hello, thank you and sorry!”
Do not reserve spots - give space to others. Take this into account also when camping.
Take other visitors in water areas, such as boaters and paddlers, into account.
When fishing in waters you are not familiar with, respect local traditions and fishing culture.
Respect other people's fishing habits, even if they differ from yours.
Report any shortcomings to the Game and Fisheries Warden.

Did you bring it? Then take it home! A responsible fisher does not litter.
Collect broken lines, hooks and cigarette butts from the shore. They cause problems for birds and fish.
Do not leave any traps on the shore.
Check regularly that the boat’s engine and canisters are intact and in order.
Make sure that fish guts and other products from cleaning the fish do not affect the comfort of the area.

Avoid causing additional suffering to fish.
Avoid fishing for salmonids in warm waters (more than 20 degrees).
Find out about catch quotas. Pay attention to protected and undersized fish.
Always release protected fish with care.
Only catch as much as you use.
Ensure proper and respectful handling and immediate killing of catches.
Prevent the spread of diseases from one water system to another, e.g. by disinfecting fishing gear.
Provide game feedback.
Respect the game also when taking photos of it.
Observe wading bans to ensure that fish spawn successfully.

You always need the landowner’s permission for making a fire.
Do not start a fire on the road or in peat land.
Use only permitted firewood for campfires. In Lapland, North Ostrobothnia, Kainuu and North Karelia, making a campfire is permitted on state-owned land. You can use dry branches, twigs and small root stocks to build a fire but not deadwood.
In national parks, making campfires is generally only permitted at campfire sites.
Always check if a wildfire warning is in effect in the area. During the warning, campfires are only permitted in campfire huts and campfire sites with flues.
Remember that the lighter is responsible for the safety of the fire and for carefully extinguishing the fire.