Threading The Needle Of Ungrateful Fisherfolk

[AirTool]

It is pretty obvious what I was doing and what my intentions are.

Exactly...which proves they are either 1)idiots or 2) intentionally f'n with you/us. In either case, unacceptable.

[nyryan2001]

When fishermen camp out in our prime water sports area, usually I'll idle over and explain to them respectfully that its a 2500 acre lake, and this one wind protected shoreline is the one one best suited for Watetsports... Not trying to be a d$$$, but its the prime area during the summer for us to play. I'd say 70% of the time we are successfull and they'll go off in one of the shallow coves we can't use, it's pretty evident and reasonable. For those who stay, well, we follow the law, NLT 50ft from a stationary or achored vessel. Never have gotten into shouting matches, gestures or any of that, I think it's mostly how you approach and talk to folks and your demeanor. Pretty much all boaters are out there to have a good time. Approach another guy with an attitude and you'll likely get one in return.

[biggator]

It is pretty obvious what I was doing and what my intentions are.

I read something interesting.. it was in regards to driving, but can apply to most things.

We judge ourselves on our intentions, and others on their actions.

Think about that one for a minute and it makes a great deal of sense. You know what you're intentions are.. so it should be obvious that you're doing xyz, but someone else who doesn't know your intentions just sees you doing x and thinks 'why is that idiot doing X!'. It's interesting to think about as you're getting minor road rage on a daily basis.

[DanielC]

"It is pretty obvious what I was doing and what my intentions are."

Just go and sit by a boat launch some day. It will soon will become fairly obvious there are a lot of boaters who do not know what their own intentions are, let alone somebody else's.

[HS]

Just go and sit by a boat launch some day. It will soon will become fairly obvious there are a lot of boaters who do not know what their own intentions are, let alone somebody else's.

Excellent point.

And is why I am always watching to see what wonderful cross section of humanity is driving a boat anywhere near where I am towing my kids. Usually in the "ski lanes" it is like-minded folk. Call it profiling or whatever, but as I scan the water, if I see something other than a well-operated Nautique, Malibu, MC, Centurion (and they ain't always "well-operated"), I start thinking about switching things up to avoid problems.

As I reckon, the fishermen around the lake we use are usually inside the no wake buoys looking for bass near docks, or they collect near the creek when the salmon are running -- or they're out in deep water. I also try to give them a very wide berth; no need for awkward moments when we all return to the ramp. (Should be a big run of pinks / humpback salmon this year.)

There's roughly a half mile stretch of water between the ramp and near the south end of the lake leading to where the lake opens up to the north. It really is like a channel that boats, including fishermen, transit to get out for the day. It's adjacent to a small cove which can be nice, but I am struck by how many people are using this stretch of water for towing when its clearly a high traffic area. For example, towing tubes right up to the ramp, at the end of the day when people are cueing up to offload or take out. Just amazing. It does offer the opportunity to explain to our kids the right way to do things. I think the best thing we can do is practice and teach proper boat handling and etiquette.

[Zach@n3]

"It is pretty obvious what I was doing and what my intentions are."

Just go and sit by a boat launch some day. It will soon will become fairly obvious there are a lot of boaters who do not know what their own intentions are, let alone somebody else's.

Sometimes that can be more fun than the day of boating. Grab a chair and a beer and watch all the fun unfold. I've seen a few vehicles under water in my time. I would wager 80 percent of people on the water really don't have that much of a clue. I get dirty looks from most fishermen at boat ramps when I grab the truck, back it in, load the boat, and pull it out all within 5 minutes when others struggle with two or three people to load a boat.

We do a full delivery with every boat customer if desired. This is a great thing if a customer has never owned a boat or it has been a long time and they need a refresher. Clearly they need to be aware of their local boating laws but it helps a lot just to give them a firm grasp on how everything operates from the trailer all the way through the boat.