Fishing etiquette PSA

[bigd7400]

Hey fellas just wanted to throw out some info on courteous fishing practices especially with regards to coming in contact with someone fishing out of a kayak. No sarcasm or venom or ill will intended and my goal is just to pass along some dos and donts that I come across out on the water when interacting with power boat guys.
One big one is boats coming hard off plane thinking they are being courteous to a nearby paddler. I appreciate that folks see us and want to be nice but if possible just keep on trucking on plane at a safe distance. The wake caused by coming off plane or going half throttle by a paddler is way worse than if you are full bore rolling by. Thats really the only boating related thing I can think of.
As for actual fishing courtesy there are a few things. Remember that paddlers have a limited range. I personally dont mind if someone comes in and fishes ahead of me as long as they give me a repectable berth. Dont be the guy friday night who motors by and then through the spot Im fishing then proceeds to fish over that spot though, if you wouldnt do it to a bass boat dont do it to a paddler please. Local tournament guys, please do not assume kayak anglers are out fishing just for fun. I know the stress and competitive aspect of tournament fishing as I and many others out there are competing as well. Currently myself and a few others that fish the lake are vying for what amounts to a birth in the BASS Master Classic of kayak fishing and a chance at $25,000. Anyone thats seen my reports may notice a little card with writing on it, thats due to being in a tournament. I and many others compete in tournaments almost year round so we all love to compete. Again if you wouldnt do it to another guy in a bass boat please dont do it to a kayaker. We all share the lake and need to be respectful.

[tblspoon]

Thank you for clarification on the "staying on plane" thing. I have always thought that it was better to do that. Water comes onto my boat with people coming off plane.

[striperjohn]

One problem tbls..is that you understand boat wakes, most drivers and paddlers don't. I have gone by guys fishing in yaks up near Beaverdam, way out in the channel, I kept at speed and received the "bird" from both of them. But we all must try. Cheers
John

[bigd7400]

Aug 21, 2016 12:05:54 GMT -5 striperjohn said:

One problem tbls..is that you understand boat wakes, most drivers and paddlers don't. I have gone by guys fishing in yaks up near Beaverdam, way out in the channel, I kept at speed and received the "bird" from both of them. But we all must try. Cheers
John

Inexperienced folks make us all look bad, sorry. Keep on doing the right thing. Those guys will figure it out when someone swings by and comes off plane near em and theyll feel dumb for being rude.

[smljake]

Just posted a new discussion with the full story, but experienced the utmost courtesy from a bass boat today while in my canoe. Dropped to idle speed way far ahead of me and maintained it ask the way past. Keeps a fellas heart rate down where it should be when he's not catching anything!