IMAGES of flapping fish dying slowly in the sun after being ripped from their hook are a thing of the past after a tough new code of conduct was announced.South-west Victorian anglers have been urged to use more humane, faster killing techniques under a revised national code of practice for recreational fishing.Releasing unwanted fish is also a priority under the code, which wasrefreshed by biologist Dr Julian Pepperell with feedback from government departments and organisations, including the RSPCA.Warrnambool fisherman Henry Rantall urged anglers to take notice.``If we don't take more care some authority will want to move in and put a ban on angling,'' Mr Rantall said.The vice-president of Warrnambool and District Angling Club suggested the following methods for killing fish quickly after being hooked: Carry an implement to ``dong'' fish on the head between the eyes; Use a knife to spike the fish in the head; With salmon, cut the gills, break the backbone then put the fish in cool sand with the tail sticking out.``Some people have no respect and leave their catch out in the sun,'' Mr Rantall said. ``After you kill the fish put it in something cool.''He said anglers needed to adopt a catch-and-release attitude unless they planned to eat their catch.``In the past there was a culture of taking more fish than needed and letting them die slowly,'' he said.``Most anglers now are more careful.'' Mr Rantall, 75, said he had been fishing ``for as long as I could carry a rod''. For many years he has helped run clinics for children and novice adults. ``Only take what you need and leave the rest for breeding,'' he said. ``Quite a few fishermen and clubs now just record the weights of their catch and let the fish go again as gently as possible.'' National recreational fishing group, Recfish, said the code was also aimed at protecting the environment and rights of others.The group has suggested fishing clubs and organisations adopt the code.All forms of recreational fishing in Victoria require a Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) with exemptions for people under 18 or over 70 years of age. Victorian anglers have the option of buying a three-year fishing licence for $66 but can still buy a one-year RFL for $24.50 or a two-day RFL for $6. Fisheries officers from the Department of Primary Industries have been on patrol along south-west rivers and lakes in recent months with the ability to issue penalties to people fishing without a licence.