Little Etiquette

Lake Etiquette

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 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 dos 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 waist 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 too before, but locations of where you fish should not be determined by seeing another angler catch a fish then come in on top of them or in front of them. 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 say 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!