Moved several years back and was down Saturday for the first time in almost 2 years for a day of fishing with my 12 year old son. We were fishing the falling tide up the Wando and the bite was less than desirable but it was good to be back on the water. Since I last was here I just wanted to ask everyone’s opinion if what I was taught about normal fishing etiquette has changed.
While fishing our favorite dock there was a steady stream of boats appearing to take our spot, sorry guys. It seems to be a more popular spot now than is was. We were anchored 40 feet from shore with our 21’ center console, next to the dock, so we could fish the mouth of the creek and the back of the dock. About halfway through the falling tide a kayak paddles by “between us and the shore”. My son looks at me in confusion as I mumble some unkind words. Okay, I thought they got caught in the tide and rather than fighting to get out of the way and creating more of a rustle they would just float on through. Harm but no foul. Well about 45 minutes they paddle back through. One is paddling while dragging a line and the other is fishing…right over my carolina rig.
I took the high road in front of my son. I kept my cool while using this as an opportunity to teach him about proper fishing etiquette. Maybe the rules have changed in the last few years though and I was teaching him all wrong.
You’re a better man than me, my friend. Clearly the yackers had no respect, or etiquette, in this particular instance and definitely was not an example of “how to do it” for your son. That said, half of the people on the water don’t even know the “rules of the road,” let alone have any sort of respect for others or etiquette.
I don’t understand people doing stuff like this on the water. People my age(18) get a bad rap for doing stuff like this and I can understand it from some of the stuff I have seen people do or even seen some of my friends do. I will do everything I can to not interrupt anyone fishing. The first thing my dad made sure I had before he let me go by myself was the proper etiquette on the water and it seems many people these days miss that part…
Totally wrong. Funny, we were on the “other side” of such a thing. My older son and I were fishing a well known dock on Conch creek (in kayaks) this past Sunday. We were set up and getting a few bites when along comes a boat that attempts to set up right in front of the opening between the 2 docks we were between. This would have blocked our ability to leave and would have put them fishing right where we were. well, I guess kharma works sometimes because they couldn’t get their anchor to set after about 5-6 attempts. I guess they got mad and roared off leaving a wake that pushed us both into the marsh grass. Sadly, just another example of thoughtless, inconsiderate “ME” people. Unfortunately, they are everywhere.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Our government writes traffic violations only for what generates revenue for the departments, and not to promote consideration between drivers. All of us are guilty of letting someone act out and get their way. (there is a whole section of the population showing this off right now)
Start writing down hull id numbers and sending them in to DNR. Take pictures of these yaks and boarders, write a note about what was happening. I have sent in about 8 this year alone. Maybe falling on deaf ears of the revenuers I understand, but what are we to do? How far is far enough before it truly diminishes the way of life we love.
Some people have a situational awareness bubble that only extends three feet in any direction.
THREE FEET! Situational or not. Most of these jerks, in boats, kayaks, cars, trucks on motor cycles, in wally world what ever. That bubble only extends the length of their johnson, which in ALL cases, is really not that far. My advise to all, for what it’s worth, just let it go. We can’t teach these folks what their parents did not. Sure is a bunch of water down here to get bent out of shape over one dock or strech of bank.
“when someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time”
I agree dparker677. My son commented that you have to have a license to drive a car so you should have to get a license to operate a watercraft. I reminded him that such a license doesn’t produce thoughtful or considerate drivers so there is no expectaion that it would do so for boaters either. It is simply about upbringing and selfish people.
“Apathy is the Glove into Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
I think everyone has had their fare share of inconsiderate people while fishing. I seemed to notice it more when I fish out of my kayak than I do when in my boat. Not sure if it’s a size thing or if some people just don’t respect kayakers when they are in a boat. I was anchored near a dock one time in my kayak fishing when a boat went back and forth past the same dock casting around me like I wasn’t even there. I had my 6 year old son with me and he said “Daddy they are scaring all the fish”. Only positive side was that it was a good teaching experience for my boy. He got to see what not to do and I got to explain why it isn’t ok to do that.
The rules haven’t changed, but the people on the water sure have.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Yes they have! Black Angus and I were anchored up in 140’ last week when a sea pro comes right up and starts drifting by us about 75 yds away. They had a kid that was standing on the transom to fish. If you see somebody on “your” spot…keep moving! It is a big ocean, with plenty of places to fish.
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PROUD YANKEE
Oyster Baron
NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
Dear James…The operative word in your 1st sentence was “Saturday”. The weekend warriors are the most inconsiderate, obstinate, rude, and ignorant of the lot of them. I know that the structure of the normal work week is an impediment for those of you who seek to enjoy the wonderful resources of the lowcountry, and the rest of the State for that matter. With that said…forewarned is forearmed. 4 0z. pyramid sinkers are a useful tool in the tackle box, and with proper placement they can ward off evil spirits. They are also excellent educational resources for the “teaching” of proper fishing etiquette.
Sometimes it CAN feel good. Many years ago four of us were anchored in 90 feet over a sunken tug off Tampa. We were diving two up and two down when an unpleasant person showed up and dropped his anchor not 50 feet away. Needless to say, we were shouting and pointing and explaining their ancestor’s sex habits. The two that were down came up in and agitated state to say the least! One of the divers was calm and even had a smile on his face as he explained to the fisherman ahole that his expensive anchor and chain was forever tied to the wreck. We sat back, had our sandwiches and a beer and waited till they tried to leave. It was great watching them cut their anchor rope.
Sorry that happened to you. I fish both from a boat and a kayak. When in my kayak, I always acknowledge boaters who are fishing and ask if they mind if I fish the next dock down, or if they mind if I quietly scoot past them. I never know which way they are working the creek. Most times, cordials are exchanged both ways and no one is pissed off. As a boater, I usually give kayaks plenty of space and try not to throw a wake. Having nearly been tipped in my yak, it sucks.
I suppose it is the Golden Rule… treat people how you want to be treated.
Tight Lines Everyone. Go get them, while they are biting right now.