Fishing etiquette!?....

[elnutsmalljaws]

If you pull into a cove, and someone is fishing say the left side. If you go into the cove also and fish the right side, is that considered poaching the other mans space. as long as you do not fish on "his" side of the cove. Trying to avoid a beat-down on the water or getting shot with airsoft pellets. he he

My question would be, if some one is fishing a pretty big cove, would it be better to let them have the whole cove or just fish the opposite side?

If someone is fishing a good size cove, then I don't have a problem with fishing the other side and if we happen to be going in the same direction then when we meet, I will be the one to stop fishing 20 yards or more before we meet and troll out around him and drop back in behind him. My thought is he was there first so I should be the one to move around him and not him around me. If it is a small cove then he will get it all to himself. There again depends on the size of the cove and it is up to you to decide on what determines a good size cove. Too much water for all the poaching to be going on.

[dcbasser]

Here I am minding my own business and I get drug into this mess. We all know that I would back out of the area quietly as to avoid any conflict. I would also tell them where the sweet spot is in the area and offer to net, clean and cook their catch if needed. I have turned over a new leaf in life and have changed my ways.



WRONG!!!! Beware is all I can say. I will gladly turn on a light in plenty of time to let them know I am fishing here, again offer another light as they come closer and have obviously ignored my first warning and if they still come closer then Fisherman Beware. All I can guarantee is one of us is getting our A$$e$ kicked and most likely wet, whether it is him or me, that is still to be decided. I have a current wife, ex-wife, two teenage daughters, a 4 year old son and spent way too much time under the knife in the hospital to figure anything worse can happen to me on the water. Too much water for people to poach. Not saying I own the lake but if I am there first then too bad for you. You won't EVER find me poaching on anyone else and I expect the same from others.

Now it just wouldn't be right if you weren't involved in these shinagins. After all seems like no one gets in these messes quite like you do LMBO. Take care of yourself friend I'll be up to see you sometime soon. Hopefully get into smallies on laurel with you and cliff in January or Febuary.

[offdtop]

I posted a few weeks back about the same type situation only during the day! At night it bears different measures so.... it's always handy to have a flippin stick with 80 to 100# braid, a 3/4 oz rattle trap, and a good strong knot - not to fling at him/her but to make an honest cast if you so happen to cross lines yell out "I was here first I get first cut!" Pull in his line and cut. If he's brave he'll ask for his lure and if not he'll get mad and leave but understand you don't have to be confrontational it was an "honest" cast and he shouldn't have gotten that close, a 50 to 75 yard minimum should be sufficient diameter around your boat. Understand - I learned this lesson early on when it was done to me and I was the culprit moving in, it was harmless I had no intension of getting that close but I sure found out how far he could cast - this happened 20+ years ago ............. "lesson learned".

[HURRICANEBOB]

After reading all this......I guess its too late to apologize.......right?

[thebassman30]

Just let them go. Chat them up...check out what they're doing.... pick up the bait that's not working and let them see that....then stick fish being them. Nothing is more poetic that yelling "MISSED ONE"....if you've heard it....that's us. Followed by "MISSED ANOTHER ONE". It makes other tourney guys soooo mad and it's better than getting sued.

[DJD]

Just let them go. Chat them up...check out what they're doing.... pick up the bait that's not working and let them see that....then stick fish being them. Nothing is more poetic that yelling "MISSED ONE"....if you've heard it....that's us. Followed by "MISSED ANOTHER ONE". It makes other tourney guys soooo mad and it's better than getting sued.

True, true... a little love is ok but once in awhile it takes "TOUGH LOVE" with a smile to make your point.

[CRANKINandYANKIN]

It's amazeing what a mill. candle power spot light will do at night.

[Chubminnow]

I like Bobby Headricks idea the best...granted you may or may not catch a fish where the otehr guy is fishing...but man that would be sweet if you did, plus no harm done, no words, etc... just a good old country spanking is all it would be.

[Bobby Headrick]

Thanks Chub, more pride in it but a 50 cal sometimes would be nice.

[Fishin is life]

always keep a big carolina rig tied on....and make sure to land it in the middle of their boat so ya dont hurt anybody....just enough to let em know you're there

[18'stratos]

I let them have the spot. As I leave I make sure to go close to them as I am getting the boat out of the hole and on plane and a little wave usually gets the point across.

[Dakota Kid]

I have a couple of 8oz catfish weights. You need a couple. They send people for stitches!