• Do not leave your lines unattended when pelicans
are near.
• Change your location if pelicans show interest in
bait or catch.
• Release catch quietly and away from pelicans.
• Inspect your gear & terminal tackle - avoid unwanted
line breaks.
• Use circle hooks or crimp barbs to avoid injury to
wildlife.
• Never cast toward wildlife.
• Recycle fishing line and stash your trash!
If you do hook a pelican • Reel the bird in slowly.
• Have other fishermen help if needed.
• Wrap the bird in a towel if you are alone.
• Hold the pelican with wings folded against body.
• Grasp the beak with one hand, holding the bill open
so the pelican can breathe. Pelicans breath through
their mouth and will struggle less if they can breathe.
• Find the hook.
• Push the barb outside of the skin.
• Cut off the barb and back the hook out.
• Make sure all line has been removed.
• Release by gently placing the bird on the ground or in the water.
• If the pelican has swallowed a hook or has a large wound, call the rehab center closest to
you.
THE SAND DOLLAR | 18