Etiquette or NOT?

[kc]

I understand what you are saying and there are jerks on any side of a fence. I can be a pretty nasty jerk when someone shows me disrespect on the water. I am just saying that I am a Monday-Friday worker and 80% of my fishing time is on the week end and I notice big time that Saturday/Sunday morning from the tournament take-offs first thing until 3 or 4 in the afternoon is when I encounter about 95% of the disrepectful bass fisherman behavior. It doesn't take a degree in statistics to understand that most of this behavior is oriented to the tournaments. Maybe some of the jerks are actually non-tournament anglers reacting to all of the added activity but I seriously doubt it. I am also being realistic when I report my experiences. It is not like every other boat I encounter during "tournament time" is a jerk but there are considerably more than fishing in the evening or during the week. It is like many take it too seriously and get in "tunnel vision" on their mission and don't have any regard for any one else. They go full throttle the moment they start their big engine, they come flying up full throttle and drop it right where they plan to start, and often it is comical to watch them fish flying down the bank with their trolling motor full blast casting up a storm. I just don't see much of that kind of behavior at other times and don't get cut off nearly as often.

I know most tournament fishermen are not disrepectful and rude. But you know the old saying about how one can spoil the bunch. Look at the other comments in this thread. I don't think I am alone in noticing the increase in disrespect and the growing resentment towards tournaments.

kc

[fisheater]

From what i understand GOOD OLE BOY=REDNECK.

[ToddRose]

Tournament fisherman or not whoever is there first shound not be intruded upon unless the intruder is looking for an A$$ whipping.

[BASSKING]

Tournament fisherman or not whoever is there first shound not be intruded upon unless the intruder is looking for an A$$ whipping.

almost took the words right out of my mouth. look if most of the fishermen who "fun fish" are like me then when you are actually out and on the fish youd like to have fun and catch as many as you can. now putting them in the livewell is a little much if they had no intent to either keep them or weigh them at a tourney weigh in. anymore i dont even mind pleasure boaters or jet skiers because thats how its going to be, they have as much right as anyone. i have come across good and bad tourney guys as well as non toruney guys. however it does make your blood boil a little when that cruiser goes by at aroung 100mph or the jet ski zoom by ten feet away but until everyone learns to RESPECT one another thats how it will be. noone owns the water we all just share a peice of passion with it, fishing,boating,sking,ect.

BTW, depending on the way i was approached by the tourney guy i may have said ok,and maybe observed from a distance to possibly get some pointers or learn a thing or two as that is his job im just looking to relax and catch fish.