Fishing tip of the week

Fishing Tip of the Week

Wednesday, 11 October 2023 09:57

Lake Etiquette

by Mike Gerry

 

As fishing becomes more and more popular, the lack of etiquette on the lake seems to get
worse. As the crowds increase so does the lack of understanding about each other’s space
and the amount of time it takes to get your boat set up, put in and out and on the water fishing. It
doesn’t take a lot of thought to be considerate of each other on the water as there are just a
few do’s and don’ts.
The few rules are simple, don’t cut off another boater while he’s fishing, seeing someone
catch a fish is not an invitation to jump in front of them and start to fish. The next is the boat
ramps, prepare your boat to launch before you back it down the ramp, get your plug in, your
straps off so you don’t waste time doing this while you back down the ramp, just get all this
done before you get ready to back down.

I realize many fishermen are searching for fish on lakes they have never been to .The problem is anglers start riding around the lake looking for a gathering of boats, or a guide like me leading fishermen and they start cutting in front of those who appear to be knowledgeable or catching fish!
Well folks I’m here to tell you that acting like this is extremely rude, not to mention that not all folks are as forgiving as I am! I can’t tell you how many times this week my clients and I were rudely cut
off by fisherman.

I’m not talking about someone moving in several hundred yards ahead of
you, I’m talking about fishermen cutting between boats 50 yards apart because they watched
someone catch a fish! This action lacks class and makes for some bad feelings toward those
visitors that act this way! It might be different if the person cutting you off like this would
even ask “ would you mind if I joined you?” , at least there would be an acceptance or denial.
Fishing etiquette is fairly simple, just act and treat others like you would want to be treated
and I am sure that your lake etiquette will improve!
Captain Mike