A Q&A with Keep Fish Wet Executive Director, Sascha Clark Danylchuk

We’re excited to announce a new partnership between Casting for Recovery and Keep Fish Wet! This collaboration aims to promote best practices for handling fish in our retreat programs and long after to ensure the health and sustainability of our beloved fish populations. 

To kick off this partnership, we had the pleasure of chatting with Sascha Clark Danylchuk, the Executive Director of Keep Fish Wet, who shared some great insights and fun stories about Keep Fish Wet, conservation, and the future of fish.

Sascha Clark Danylchuk, Executive Director, Keep Fish Wet

How can anglers make a big impact on fish conservation with just a few small changes to their routine?

Sascha: One of the best parts about using best practices is that it’s simple.  You don’t need to buy any special gear, all you need to do is think a bit more like a fish and change your behavior slightly by using our three Principles. 

What are the Keep Fish Wet Principles?

Sascha:

  1. Minimize air exposure (to 10 seconds or less).

  2. Eliminate contact with dry surfaces.

  3. Reduce handling time.  

Doing these three, simple things with each fish you release will give them the best chance of survival and health.  

Photo Courtesy of Dave McCoy

What’s one piece of fishing gear you can’t live without and why?

Sascha: These days…my glasses!  I can’t tie on a fly without them!  

Photo Courtesy of Dave McCoy

How did you discover Fly Fishing?

Sascha: I taught myself to fly fish and tie flies when I was living in the Caribbean after college.   I worked really hard and long to catch my first fish on the fly as there wasn’t anyone on the island with experience and I had to figure it all out on my own.  I spent days wading the flats around the very small island I was living on just trying to find bonefish and then I had to figure out how to cast, hook, and land one.   

Photo Courtesy of Sascha Clark Danylchuk

If you could fish anywhere in the world, where would it be and what species would you target?

Sascha: I’d choose wading a sandy bonefish flat everytime – doesn’t even matter where.   Not only was bonefish my first fish on the fly, but I also studied them for my masters degree and they definitely have a special place in my heart.    

 

Photo Courtesy of Dave McCoy

How does being out on the water and fishing help you relax and rejuvenate?

Sascha: Fishing helps me stay focused on the present.  When I’m fishing, I’m tuned in to everything that is happening in the environment around me.   I notice tiny details that I would otherwise miss.  This means that what I’m not doing is worrying or stressing out about the past or the future.  Fishing gives my brain a break and helps me to be where my feet are.   

 

 

What’s your vision for the future of fish conservation and the role anglers will play in it?

Sascha: I believe that anglers are essential to fish conservation.  We are often the first to notice environmental changes, to advocate for conservation, and to rally other stakeholders.  In the face of climate change, I believe that anglers have a responsibility to be a voice for our aquatic environments and the fishes that live in them.  No matter if your favorite fish is cutthroat or stripers, I encourage every angler to find a way to advocate for our wild fish – they need your voice. 

 

 

How do you see the partnership with Casting for Recovery enhancing the mission of Keep Fish Wet?

Sascha: Part of our mission is to provide anglers with the tools (information and skills) necessary to use best practices.  But, we don’t have the capacity to reach all anglers ourselves and rely on messengers – other entities that teach fishing.  Casting for Recovery is an exemplary messenger for our mission and an organization that we have long admired.  We are thrilled to be partnering with CfR! 

 

 

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