Greetings Fishers!
The weather has been great here for fishing. Mid 60's,
slight breeze, quiet - what more can you ask for?
Let's move on to our newsletter. Today's topic is about boat etiquette and
I'm sure we all know one or two people who could take this course.
See you on the water,
Brock
Questions...
comments.. e-mail Brock.
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Boat Etiquette
Boat
etiquette on and off the water is an ever-increasing
issue. Ask any boater what they perceive to be the biggest
issue on the water, and they will inevitably go into a story
about an inconsiderate boater. And many times this will occur at the
launch ramp before the boater even gets on the
water. As our waterways become more crowded, this issue
increases.
Some of the problem comes from a boat operators' lack of
experience, some from a lack of perception of what is going
on around them and unfortunately some from simple disrespect
for others.
Boat ramp etiquette seems to be the biggest hot button of
any boater. These incidents include someone waiting until
they get to the launch pad before rigging a boat for
launching and loading their gear into the boat; or de-
rigging and unloading the boat at the launch pad on return
from the water, rather than moving to a de-rigging area
after the boat is loaded on the trailer. Other situations
include tying up a boat on the launching side of a dock
while parking or getting the tow vehicle, butting in line,
to simply taking up excessive time.
One of the best ways to be certain you're not on the wrong
end of one of these situations is to get yourself familiar
with the protocol at a launching facility before actually
launching your boat. This can be done at the time you get
to a destination before launching, or by visiting the launch facility
ahead of time to view the procedures. While boat launching and loading
procedures are similar no matter what type of rig you have, individual
facilities have their own little unofficial modes of operation that may
have been developed over time.
In order to be aware of these little idiosyncrasies when
you arrive at a launch facility, park your rig in an out of
the way location, and take a few minutes to watch the
activities around you before you commence launching your
rig. It may take you a few more minutes to get on the water,
but it could avoid personal embarrassment or an actual
confrontation with another boater from your unintentional
infringements.
Whenever you launch, make certain you prepare your boat in
an out of the way place. Take off covers, tiedown straps
(except bow strap) and install electronics. Get rods, tackle, coolers, and
anything you're planning on taking along out on the water loaded before
you enter the launching area.
When it's your turn to launch, do it as quickly
as you can
do it comfortably, and move your boat aside, away from the
launching side of the dock. This will allow the next boater
to come in immediately after you and keep things moving when
there is a crowd. It's even a good idea when you're the only
boater. For one, it will get you in the habit, and second
it's a good idea just in case another boater arrives before
you return.
You should extend the same courtesies when you return to the
dock to load your boat. Tie up on the opposite side of the
launching pad. This way if anyone arrives to launch, before
you return with your tow vehicle, you don't have someone
waiting on you. Just because your boat is at the dock doesn't necessarily
mean everyone else must wait.
When out on the water always be observant of what is going on around you,
especially when underway. Watch what other boats are doing, and how
anglers are fishing. I can't tell you how many times I've had boaters go
between me and the bank while I was fishing in that direction. Just
because a boat isn't moving, doesn't mean you can ignore what they are
doing. Observe a wide imaginary circle around each boat you see on the
water, and stay outside the circle.
Everyone has equal rights to our waterways. Be it a tourn-ament fisherman,
boater, skier, or personal watercraft. But remember the key here is EQUAL.
Following the golden rule "Do unto others..." should help keep you out of
trouble.
Once you get out to your favorite fishing spot safely, you can concentrate
on fishing. And maybe even catch a few. After all, they call it fishing,
but the goal is catching.
[Thanks to http://www.bassresource.com/html/contents.html]
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