Decided to do something i NEVER do. Went out and did some straight up Surf Fishing (no sharks) i got to north folly around 7am, totally empty beach with super nice surf! Set up 2 surf rods one with a double drop and shrimp the other with a fish finder rig. Got into a few whiting that i kept for the shark bait freezer. Around 10am people started showing up. This is a prime example why I NEVER fish on the weekend. If you know Folly Beach you know the section of beach im fishing… North folly near the inlet mouth. Not a really safe place for swimming because of the current. Anyways about 10:30 i had swimmers set up to my left and to my right. Heres what ticked me off, Lady comes up to me with an attitude asking me, How dare you fish with people in the water swimming… you think you own the beach? So of course i respond with, Well 1rst of all i got here and set up WAY before yall and 2nd this is a known fishing spot, hence the other anglers up and down the beach… No one should be swimming here because of the current. after having kids almost drift into my lines several times i packed up and left. Reminding me why i go to the beach during the work week after work. So frustrating… Has this ever happened to yall and if so how did you handle the situation?
that when you say “sorry mam, I was simply trying to catch that shark out there” and walk away
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Originally posted by djhuraytthat when you say “sorry mam, I was simply trying to catch that shark out there” and walk away
Lol! Right! Do people not watch Shark Week!?!?! Its in a river mouth, has strong current and deep holes. You probably should not be swimming there.
I’d say either something about trying to catch sharks and that your fishing pretty close or say that she should call the cops if she thinks there is that big of an issue. Or you could always just say “Im sorry me catching food for my family got in the way of you having fun.”
First, nothing on shark week since the mid-90’s should be considered educational. Second, you need to accept the general population has a very selective memory. For example, the Folly fishing ban ordinance is entirely predicated on fishing luring sharks closer to shore, yet seem to forget that very common fact that bulls will travel into fresh water. How in the hell do they get to fresh water if they haven’t been lured closer to shore!?!?!?
You can’t win with these people, but a great come back to her “Do you think you own the beach?” question is to respond, “Do you think YOU own the beach? Because I posted up long before you showed up and here you are harassing me to leave?”
…screw that, man! You’re a local. Act like it or the tourorists win.
I would’ve encouraged her to call the law. If the area isn’t posted (and we know it’s not) then she is harassing you and intruding your access to fishing.
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
As I have said before I always tfy to fish near the rocks ( better chance of bites next to the rocks ) . If someone complains I say yall better stay away from them barnacle covered rocks …
I’ve found that if you are cordial, and say it with a smile you get a better response. Remember, most of the tourists are coming from landlocked states, and are more used to Lake or river fishing, they more times than not don’t get a license, and don’t know the size/bag limits. I had a guy this past Sunday on Sullivans Island ask me what kind of fish he had and what the minimum size was.
Just nicely reply that you aren’t doing anything wrong and say “sorry if its taking up space, but I was set up here first.” And explain that that area really isn’t the best for swimming due to rip currents. After that you have no responsibility to move or relent. People hate when tou are really nice and knowledgable while they are acting like children.
No matter how many variables I have control over, I never expect a bite. I only hope.
Yep, 90% of these people are tourists, let her know you were there first, and that she is a visitor here and doesnt know the area/customs. You have nothing to apologize for, I would tell her off!
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Originally posted by InshoreAnglerYep, 90% of these people are tourists, let her know you were there first, and that she is a visitor here and doesnt know the area/customs. You have nothing to apologize for, I would tell her off!
X2. If some c&$! were to come up to me with an attitude like that in a situation where you have clearly obeyed all written and unwritten rules of the beach, i would have torn her a new one.
No one has ever so brazenly come up to me like that, but i have had people say things on occasion like “aren’t you worried about attracting a shark?” No not really. I doubt my one finger mullet among the thousands that are swimming in the surf right now is going to be the difference maker that draws in Mary Lee.
My reply would be: NO : not trying to attract them , just hope i catch it and save you from it ripping your arm or leg off!!!
I get the double harassment. Either getting *****ed at for fishing to close to people, and then get *****ed at for surfing to close to people. Many times I have paddled out where the break is best, which also is the least crowded area because of the bigger waves/current. Plenty of beach either side of me and never fails they swim out right behind me. Waves taking them out left and right. Its tourist season so stand up for yourself. They will be gone by the end of the week. The best thing about this year is here in Myrtle Beach only city residents have a parking sticker for local beach access’s. Now tourist have to stay behind the hotels or pay to park. That sure thinned them out 
My response: no habla ingles
Keep on castin’