Quote Originally Posted by MagikSmallie View Post
So if you are against this because you are worried people won't follow the rules, then what is keeping those same people from running their +10HP motors right now? If the rule is currently that you can launch but can't run your motor as opposed to you can launch and idle only I don't see what is stopping those "rule breakers" from just launching and running as they please. However, I don't see any of that going on when I go to these restricted lakes. The current rules still count on people obeying them, a change in the rule doesn't alleviate that same requirement, there are still rules that are supposed to be followed just as before.
For the most part I don't think people with larger boats go now since they would only be allowed to use their eclectic trolling motor. Even if they were inclined to occasionally go if any law enforcement even heard their engine running at any point they would be easily proven guilty and it would be a much greater risk of them getting caught. So with the risk reward I don't think people even try it although I am sure at some point some have. However allowing those larger engines to run and expecting to not have more people occasionally hit the power now an again is another thing entirely from not allowing them to even start the engine.

I have a boat that I could use on these lakes but the thought of going through the hassle and limitation of only using the trolling motor all day and then loading without the help of the outboard doesn't make it sound appealing so I have never done it. If however I was able to use my motor even at only idle and I would have taken it to smaller lakes many times already instead of trailering it an hour away as I usually do.

IMO the entire "spirit" if you will of these smaller lakes would change dramatically if they are allowed and it wouldn't be for the better.

The KY Fishing and Boating manual states people need to use only idle speed when passing anyone actively engaged in fishing. Every time I go fishing I usually will see people ignoring that. People might be cautious when first introduced, but give it a little time for it to become just another rule and I think people will end up not following the law.