This is why we aim for live/cut baits

[Leo Nguyen]

http://www.bassmaster.com/news/re-baits-reduce-soft-plastic-dumping

All my years, I only use 1% of plastics as my arsenal to catch fish. Like Bill, I superglue the crap out of my plastics on hooks, and properly discharge the plastics that I don't use. I rarely lose my plastics, but when I do because I snagged it on the weedbeds, I fished mine out to the best that I can with treble hook rigs using the 15lbs heavy rod until I can recover the line again. Either reuse it if it's still in good condition, or discard it. When I try to fish that method, well, I get what I bargain for. Beach umbrella in the habitat, broken chairs tossed into the water when the shoreliners can't find the trash bin, various crap that I tried hard to haul back with me and properly dispose of. That's why I have a nice platform in the back of the pontoon just for that purpose. Keeping our water free from plastics and unnecessary human wastes is one key to keep our fish population healthy.

Wish we can deliver this message more strongly throughout the forums, using more natural baits, and less on plastic items.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Thanks, Leo.

My tendency is to see the disposal of soft plastic baits as a minor thing. At the same time, it is the little things  - and the little habits - that eventually add up to greater problems. Its my habit to toss nothing in the water but rocks. I'll keep my old soft plastics in my pocket.

[Leo Nguyen]

David, there are few responsible anglers vs the ones that don't give a damn. BBG members are truly a breed that recognize such importance.

I have to bow down to Jeff Soto for actually pointing out about anchor dragging issues in another forum, which completely eluded my mind since I have my own protocol that I abide by  to prevent such thing from happening. Every little poor habit, every little "oops" and "oh well" can add up into one large "OH CRAP!" scenario.

This is why I love talking to BBG member. Such a collective of knowledge and responsibilities that far outshine other fishing forums, using creative and inventive approach for a "Leave no trace behind" and "No human presence left behind".

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

I'm with you, brother. I usually bring back more of other peoples' trash than my own. The idea of enjoying without impacting is critical.

[dick tabbert]

Leo nice subject. I will say don't take my plastic's that is 99% of my fishing arsenal and pleasure. I fish plastics for everything. I was going to say that I can't recall ever losing a plastic bait but after thinking it out I guess we all have in some way or another. It's not a secret I love twister tail type baits and I like a lot of action out of the tails. To get that action out of the plastics they have to be extra soft and I'm hard to please in that respect. The down side of that extra soft tail is I may use 20 or so tails per visit out on the water they do tend to disintegrate kind of fast especially in the weeds and heavy cover. But I do change them often so can say as far as losing that twister it rarely happens, but it's not to say that some small panfish do manage to eat the tail off the end of the twister another disadvantage for that super soft plastic. Maybe I really don't need such a soft tail but it is that confident factor, it's what I feel works best for me and I know in my mind I catch more fish using them. We all really need to keep our eyes open not just for that plastic bait but I can tell you personally I don't know how many beer and soda cans and bait containers and the list goes on that I have scooped up out of the lake because someone else was careless or just didn't care. I promise you if no one cared we wouldn't have that beautiful body of water to fish tomorrow. Thanks Leo this is a truly great subject.

[John Sheehan]

Good subject Leo .Nice comments Men! I have to admit when wacky worming  or Jersey Riggin' plastic worms for Largemouth Bass I have lost the worm as the fish jumps and it flys off the line and sinks to the bottom .I started double hooking the worm and it doesnt happen .Perhaps the action isnt as good but it always bothered me when it happened!