In an effort to ensure all guest receive the best fishing experience possible BC Sportfishing Group has defined a set of policies and protocols to be followed by all Guides.

Trip Day Preparation – Guides will always arrive at the designated location in advance of the

designated time and be well prepared for the day. Every effort must be made to prepare for the

unexpected to ensure the day proceeds as expected for the client.

Boat & Equipment – Guides must always ensure a well organized boat with equipment ready

for the day of fishing. Guides will ensure:

- A boat that is clean and well organized, all necessary fishing and safety equipment on

   board and with food and fish coolers that are clean.

- Clean rods, and reels that are ready to go and in great working order.

- Baits that are prepared and fishing tackle organized and ready to fish.

- Lunches that are properly stored and cooled and sufficient bottled water for all guests.

Trip Start – Guides will ensure a successful start to the trip by:

- Ensuring proper introductions are made that clients receive a friendly welcome – offer clients help in   loading the boat, coolers, and storing extra gear on board.

- Explaining safety protocol to everyone, pointing out all safety equipment.

- Explaining standard boating protocols and etiquette

- Ensure all fishing licenses and client waivers have been properly completed.

On the boat – While we can’t guarantee clients will catch fish we can guarantee the best service and   experience for the client. To make this happen Guides will:

- At the start of fishing ask clients how involved they would like you to be when it comes to rod set-up   and setting the hook.

- Demonstrate our commitment to sustainability - together with our guests we will handle all fish with care we will scan, tag and record all sturgeon caught in conjunction with the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society.

- Point out areas of interest, wildlife and share what history of the area we have.

At the end of the trip – Before the end of the day be sure you are filling out accurate fish catch

reports and that all fishing licenses and payment details for licenses are accounted for.

- MED A3 - Emergency safety training as required by Transport Canada

- Advanced Occupational First Aid – St Johns Ambulance

- Pleasure Craft Operating Competency Card

equipment necessary for the number of passengers on the boat.

Accidents and Medical Emergencies – Sometimes things happen on the water no matter how

hard you work to prevent an accident. If an accident does take place follow the Golden rules:

Golden Rules      Do Not Endanger any one else

                         Do Not Leave anybody behind

                         Do Not Panic

                         Always practice good Seamanship

 

Conservation – BC Sport fishing Group is dedicated to the Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation

Society tagging program and all guides are expected to tag fish accordingly. The best practices

document sent out by MOE must be followed during the tagging and handling of all sturgeon.

Some of the main points in the best practices code are:

1. Do not use rope on any part of a sturgeon including the tail!

2. Do not lift a fish that is larger than 5 feet into the boat!

3. Do not try to hold or lift a sturgeon by the mouth or pectoral fins. If you cannot lift the fish into the boat without using the mouth or pectoral fin then try to scan the sturgeon along the side of the boat and try to get a close estimate of length at the very least. The other option is going to the shore to tag the fish in a proper manor.

4. Always be sure there is enough water in the sling when tagging or bringing sturgeon into

the boat.