Catch of the Day

Catch of the Day
by Kelly Bass

Many people fish the beautiful lakes, rivers, streams and ponds throughout Oklahoma. There are over 1 million surface acres of water in Oklahoma and 2,000 more miles of shoreline than the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts combined.* Many lakes around the state are wounded duck

man made and because of that fact there are water hazards such as submerged trees that easily snag fishing lines. Snagged lines can be serious and potentially fatal to the wildlife that depend on these waters to exist. Colorful lures and shinny spinners don't only attract fish in shallow waters but also waterfowl of all types.

Often times, spools of old line are found discarded on banks not properly disposed of. This act is very harmful to waterfowl and at WildCare we see it especially in ducks, wild and domestic. Discarded fishing line gets wrapped around their legs and eventually it gets so tight that circulation is cut off. If not caught early enough, the tissue of the foot will ultimately die off due to lack of blood circulation. But trauma caused by fishing line can be reversed if caught in time.

Symptoms to be on the look out for in waterfowl are a hobbling walk, limp, or a "bird's nest" of fishing line trailing close behind attached to leg or around beak area. Other improperly thrown away items that may cause serious injury are: soda can tabs and the plastic that holds the six pack together, fishing hooks, plastic bags, glass, cigarette butts etc . . .

We need to be more responsible when it comes to our trash; many animals suffer because of it. So, if you are out fishing or simply enjoying nature and come across old fishing line, please throw it away.

You could save a life.

* Information provided by Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department