Simple and Easy Ways to Practice Sustainable Fishing

Ways to Practice Conservation as An Angler

By Capt. Frank Breakell

I’ve been fishing for as long as I can remember, and let me tell you — the magic hasn’t faded for me even after all these years. I feel so lucky to connect with many people as a professional guide for my charter business here in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. And more fortunate still, sharing unforgettable moments with my family, especially my daughter, Chloe, with whom I’ve been entering the DVSA Surf Fishing Tournament in Sea Isle City every spring. 

While my passion for fishing and guiding other anglers hasn’t changed one bit in my 20 years in the business, I can’t say the same thing about our environment. As a professional who spends most of his time outdoors, the degradation of our natural resources, especially our water bodies and fisheries, has been a growing concern of mine. I've seen the real effects of illegal fishing and irresponsible fishing methods committed by both the recreational and commercial fishing segments. However, I try not to feel defeated about it. Instead, I work hard to integrate conservation into my practice as an angler and a guide.

One of the ways I practice conservation in my professional charter business is by regularly observing safe catch-and-release. Catch-and-release is the easiest way to help with conservation. It helps ensure the health of the fish population in your area and the biodiversity in the water body you’re fishing. It’s equally important for all types of fish species. Still, it is especially urgent for apex predator species, larger fish that take longer to grow and are important in keeping the balance in the fish population and the water’s overall ecosystem. 

I consistently advise my clients to incorporate sustainable fishing methods such as catch-and-release when fishing with me and fishing on their own, especially when they catch more than they can consume right away. This helps us avoid overfishing and creating seafood waste. In my recommendation, I particularly stress the fact that we don’t just release the fish — we do it in a safe manner that ensures the health of the fish once they're back in the water. There are so many instances of unnecessary fish death caused by improper catch-and-release, and they can easily be prevented if we only follow the recommended procedure. When you book a fishing trip with me, I will make sure to assist you not just in catching fish but also in properly observing catch-and-release. And don’t worry, if it’s a particularly large fish, we’ll still get you that Facebook-worthy photo before safely releasing your trophy back into the wild where it belongs.

Another way we anglers can easily practice conservation is by keeping up with the changing regulations that come along the way. We have experts in the department that constantly update fishing restrictions to help us avoid accidentally overfishing — in our area. Those would most likely be for the benefit of the flounder species, sea bass, tautog, and striped bass. These restrictions are not arbitrary — they’re based on the current situation of our waters and our fish population, so it behooves us all to keep up with the times — especially for us professional guides who are supposed to be the experts and marine stewards in our local area. Rest assured, I am regularly updated on all the mandatory restrictions in Stone Harbor and New Jersey, so if you book a fishing trip with me, that’s one less thing for you to worry about. I advise you to keep abreast of all the developments in your local fishing area so that you can help with the conservation efforts and your own fishing practice.

Apart from observing practical and sustainable fishing practices, I am also a member of the American Saltwater Guides Association or ASGA. This organization is a kind of marine stewardship council made up of fishing guides like myself, recreational anglers, and other business owners in the fishing industry who want to promote marine conservation through sustainable fishing methods and business practices. The association's goal is to give a unified voice to this responsible segment of the angling industry, those of us in the business who are driven not simply by profit but by a genuine concern for the marine environment. We use this united voice to better advocate for a more sustainable fishery at the federal, regional, and state levels.

One of my genuine reasons for supporting sustainable fishing practices is that I simply love fish. I would love to enjoy them for years to come, with the knowledge that my children and my children’s children can also have the opportunity to be around them. I love the challenge of landing a wild fish and the fact that it can sustain me and my family, food-wise. And isn’t that so amazing? That your fishing practice, something you can do for fun and sport, can also be your tool for survival? 

As I’ve said, I love to fish, and I love eating them. As an angler, I practice what I preach to my charter clients — whenever I fish, I make sure only to keep what my family and I can consume and release the rest back into the water. What we do keep, I like to prepare in two ways. One recipe that I love is my wife’s proud discovery on the Food Network — flounder Milanese. I believe it’s an Ina Garten recipe, so I’m sure you won’t have a hard time looking for it. I didn’t know before that I would ever like my fresh fish with salad, but this one is to die for. Another recipe that I’ve perfected over the years through lots of trial and error is my striper chowder. I'm telling you, I have only ever shared it with a few people, and those who’ve sampled it are quick to ask for seconds. It’s my kind of soul food — it goes with a nice glass of dark beer and a piece of buttered bread on a cold winter day. If that sounds like something up your alley, book a fishing trip with me, and I might be in the mood to share this recipe with you. Who knows?

If you’re looking for an East Coast inshore fishing adventure with your family, experience surf fishing with me and my crew at Brynnie-B Inshore Fishing here in New Jersey. We offer a variety of fishing experiences here in Stone Harbor — inshore fishing for stripers, surf casting on the local beaches, and even night fishing. Bring your entire family along. We provide everything you'll need on the boat, including fishing gear. We’ll ensure you a fun, safe, and comfortable fishing experience you won’t soon forget.