Since the implementation of the 10-year fishing ban policy on the Yangtze River, the majority of fishing enthusiasts have been puzzled by a core question: after the ban on fishing, will recreational fishing, a sport that has both recreational and competitive activities, also need to be banned? Can you still fish leisurely on the Yangtze River? On March 29, 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs gave a clear response at a press conference. The nature of recreational fishing is explained in depth by the agricultural and rural sectors: it consumes very little fishery resources. As a result, the ban is mainly aimed at productive fishing and does not include fishing as a ban. Put simply, a fishing ban does not prohibit fishing, and recreational fishing does not cause significant harm to fish stocks. This statement undoubtedly justified many fishing enthusiasts and clarified their confusion about the fishing ban policy. Recreational fishing is not as devastating as many fear, but is how it is properly managed and regulated. 
However, it should be made clear that the ban on fishing does not mean that fishing activities can be carried out in a disorderly manner. The agricultural and rural departments have put forward five principles for the management of fishing in the Yangtze River, pointing out the direction for fishing enthusiasts. These five principles not only ensure the orderly conduct of fishing activities, but also reflect the importance attached to the conservation and sustainable use of fishery resources. This balance not only satisfies the needs of fishing enthusiasts, but also ensures the health and stability of the Yangtze River's fishery resources. 1. Clarify the fishing range. Comprehensively consider the protection of aquatic biological resources and the needs of public recreational fishing, and delineate areas where fishing is allowed and areas where fishing is prohibited. In protected areas, fishing should be strictly controlled. For example, in the main stream of the Yangtze River and important tributaries, as well as in large rivers and lakes such as Poyang Lake and Dongting Lake, fishing activities should be strictly controlled (note that it is controlled, not prohibited). In other waters, it is necessary to scientifically demarcate the no-fishing zone and the fishing zone.
2. Standardize fishing tackle and fishing methods. Fishing in the Yangtze River is not all tools and methods can be used. Anchor fishing rods, visual anchor hooks, string hooks, ** hooks and other fishing tackle are not allowed; The use of multiple rods and hooks, as well as fishing on rafts and boats, are also not permitted, and anglers should be aware of these regulations.
3. Standardize the type of bait. It is forbidden to use poisonous bait, nest material, and bait for live aquatic organisms such as fish and shrimp. For example, "loach" fishing, which is very popular in some places, is banned!
4. Fishing catches cannot be bought or sold. In this regard, many anglers think that there is nothing wrong with selling the fish they catch before they can eat it. However, if this article is released, it will go against the original intention of returning fishing to leisure and entertainment, and will give rise to many activities that engage in productive fishing activities in violation of regulations under the banner of anglers. Prohibit the sale of fishing catches, say no to productive fishing! It is an important matter of this official announcement. As a result, fish caught can be released, but not bought or sold.
5. Clarify the fishing time. It is necessary to stipulate the fishing time according to the local water conditions and fish conditions, so as to effectively avoid fish breeding and migratory activities.
The above five principles are like a beacon, illuminating the way forward for anglers, and at the same time sounding the alarm for those "pseudo-anglers" who wander in the gray area. If they continue to engage in destructive fishing activities, they face severe penalties if they are revealed. Since December 1, 2021, the regulations on fishing in the Yangtze River basin have changed significantly again! The "List of Prohibited Fishing Gear in Key Waters of the Yangtze River Basin" officially came into effect, and for fishing enthusiasts, there are four kinds of fishing tackle that are prohibited from being used, namely: fixed longline real bait single hook fishing tackle, drifting longline real bait single hook fishing tackle, simulated bait double hook fishing tackle (the number of hooks is 7 or more), and real bait double hook fishing tackle (the number of hooks is 7 or more).
Literally, the latter two types of tackle clearly stipulate that the number of hooks cannot exceed 7 (including 7), and exceeding this number is considered illegal fishing. In order to protect the fish resources of the Yangtze River, all localities have formulated detailed fishing rules to regulate fishing behavior. When it comes to fishing tackle, regulations vary from place to place. Chongqing, for example, allows the use of two hooks for fishing in order to preserve the popular folk method of "tai fishing". In many other cities, only one hook can be used. 
Compared with the "list", which came into effect on December 1, the fishing regulations in various places are stricter, and have exceeded the relaxed rule of seven hooks. This confuses many fishing enthusiasts. Since many places can only fish with "one rod, one line and one hook", why is it that the regulations in the "List" are 7 or more hooks to be considered "exceeded"? Where only one hook is allowed, this is usually a general local rule and is at a lower level. Using 2-6 hooks during fishing may result in a warning or fine. However, if 7 or more hooks are used, it may be defined as "productive fishing". Once caught, it is not only as simple as a fine, but also may face more severe penalties. 
As a result, from December 1, fishing in the Yangtze River may result in criminal penalties for "exceeding the limit". This is by no means alarmist. In the words of industry insiders: using a hook in a "fishable area" can be used for fishing with confidence; In some areas, it is also possible to use two hooks for fishing (currently only allowed in Chongqing); The use of 3-6 hooks may be criticized and educated; The use of 7 or more hooks may result in criminal prosecution. Therefore, anglers who are accustomed to using sea rods and hooks need to be extra careful. Fishing in ordinary waters may not be a big problem, but once it enters the key waters of the Yangtze River, these fishing tackles may meet the standard of "criminalization". Frequent anglers should fully understand the regulations and try to avoid excessive hooks to avoid unnecessary trouble.