How do you handle someone who comes right up to where you're fishing, literally parks right where you're casting? My son and I were fishing Conroe yesterday and had two boats come right up where we were fishing. We were fishing a spot we had been on since daylight and first boat that came really close was about 3 hours later. Several came by but left or didn't get close. Then, a guy and his partner pull right up to where we were casting and circles around us. My son couldn't believe it, neither could I, but I bit my tongue and didn't want a confrontation.

So, the guy leaves and within ten minutes another guy shows up and comes even closer and is headed directly where we are sitting. He gets within maybe 30 yards headed right towards me and I said something to him. Yes, I'm beyond pissed at this point. Conversation went downhill real fast. He said he's casting away from us, I said your're sitting exactly where we were casting so I don't care where you're casting. He accused us of drifting towards him when we had spot lock on and hadn't moved. There was very little wind, maybe 5 knots so we didn't drift, but he tried to turn it around on us. Both boats were fishing a tournament. I have never experienced what these two boats did, worst sportsmanship I've ever seen. I took their photo, know the tournament they are fishing, but don't want the drama plus I know they'll lie about it anyways. If I can cast and hit your boat, it's way too close in my opinion.

What happens on the waters stays on the water.

Cuss him, Ignore him, beat him. I just say take care of it on the water.

If someone got within casting distance I would ask them to move, if not then it would be handled on the water.

Have you ever been to Conroe much on a spring weekend?

I see it almost weekly on Tawakoni, usually trolling circles around us, all I can do to be quiet, a few weeks ago I did not stop casting and was hitting almost at their boat they finally left

Yes, jet skiers and wakeboard boats I expect. But, I've never had two boats pull up as close as they did. I guess what made me so mad was the guy tried to turn it around on me when I had been there for three hours. He pulled up right as I caught a fish and headed right towards us and stopped right where we were casting. I've had plenty get fairly close, nothing compared to these guys though. Just wanted to know how others handle a situation like this, I'm not posting who it was. It's a very distinct boat, I'll leave it at that but they know better. I'm sure they are much more experienced than I am and I wouldn't even think about pulling right up on a spot where someone is casting.

We weren't fishing the tournament and if he had asked it would have been one thing. When I said something to him and he wants to argue it's a whole different story.

I don't fish on weekends, I really don't do anything on weekends anymore. Im lucky enough to fish or golf on weekdays while the morons are at work.

I totally understand! My expectations on a Conroe weekend aren't very high, this was ridiculous. I know I shouldn't be surprised but when you show up in a wrapped boat with your two sponsors you should know better:).

Either way, my son and I had a great day. Caught 22 bass but couldn't catch anything of any size, largest was just under 4. Most were small but for us on Conroe it was a good day.

I guess you have been very lucky then. This happens to us all the time. Some people just don't see it to be an annoyance. Often times we strike up conversation with them and have a friendly talk. Sometimes they are jerks. It is hard not to get annoyed but I really don't like getting grey hairs from a fishing trip. Any time you go out and mingle with the public, the ratio of idiots increases exponentially.

True, and I could have way worse problems so I'm not meaning to complain. Just want to learn from others. I never say anything and just want to enjoy the day with my son but lost my patience yesterday. It was that close and just ridiculous.

Well it happens. We are all only human. I may PO some of the tournament fishers but it seems like most of the jerks I run into are tourny fishers. Just saying. Most of the idiots are wake/ski boaters or jet skiers but that is a totally different culture and they have no concept of safety or fishing etiquette and are ignorant of the fisherman's mentality for the most part.

I am all for scorched Earth in this situation. If I can't fish the spot I'm in, then the intruders will not. Crank up the big motor and just keep on revving it up. It might be a good time to make sure the tilt and trim work as well. Sounds like a good time to see if there is any moss on the prop. Yes, I'm an arse, that is why I'm on the water trying to get away from other people. Don't come around me when I'm trying to be alone.

Just tie on a 17" size 80 Bahama and chunk it at em.
Be sure to clip the barbs for easy removal.

I start singing and there gone in seconds

The solution is right here in the comments, the word "sponsors". Call them out publicly, here and any other forum you use. Then call them directly and tell them you'd never buy their product and that your son sees their anglers' dumbassery and likely will remember that associated with their name for the rest of his life too. Use their money against them. And next time it happens, tell the angler directly that their sponsors will be getting a call. They'll act like it doesn't bother them while there, but they will begin to understand when their sponsors start telling them about it.

It's all about the money to them, attack their wallet.

I don't know for a fact the names of who was in the boat though I'm pretty sure. Really surprised if it's who I think it was, they are very experienced fishermen and know better. I can't imagine if I had pulled up right where they were fishing. I understand they were fishing in a tournament and like I said if they would have asked or been a little nicer I would have reacted differently. I could have handled it better I know also but I was just shocked at how close they came headed right towards us and right where we were casting. The one guy in the boat wanted to argue and blame it on us so we had it out.

Just motor over close enough for them to see you open carry
Then ask them one looong question and then they leave
I despise chunk an winders in glitter boats,Ive preached a few sermons at the ramps as well
The major majority are women owned cowards any way,no step for a stepper.

This. Single best thing about being retired.

Had this happen a few times on Conroe. Tourney fishermen and they tell me they were here the day before. I then proceed to tell them they ain't gonna catch anything here as I am doing circles around them. Years back I tourney fished and know some good guys but all it takes is one bad apple to ruin the bunch.

I'm happy to give them the spot, but my way out just happens to be through where they are casting, plus my boat throws a pretty fair wake, even at slower speeds and sometimes my hole shot isn't very quick.. Get the picture?
Who they are or who sponsors them means nothing to me. Ruin my day, I ruin yours and it's a wash.

Since you have their photo you should email to their sponsor, expressing your concerns in a firm but non-threatening manner.

I know the feeling, I've had it happen on Rayburn and Toledo in the past. These are folks who never learned about respecting other people or just don't care. I'm not sure about the best way to handle these situations. I've bit my tongue and just moved on normally, but it sorta takes the fun out of fishing for me when it happens.

Did this story get posted in "bass fishing" section?

...------

Strip down to a loincloth and start doing a rain dance.

I didn't post anywhere else, just the open discussion section. The club/tournament director is going to talk to the guy and was very nice, apologetic, about what happened. As I stated, this wasn't just a little too close, it was right where we were fishing. Then he wanted to argue and justify it so I was more than willing to let him know what I thought about him at that point. I've bitten my tongue before but this was a whole new level
of being an a--.

Shoot a half oz rattle trap right by his ear.

It depends if they are running the trolling motor or the outboard. Trolling up is no biggie. Outboard is just rude. Either way I usually get moving around on the trolling motor to use up the area, in a manner of speaking, if I'm working a spot. Most people get the message.
If they are persistent at being rude the fishing in that spot probably wont be much good for a little while when I leave.
If they're just trolling up and are friendly then they are welcome to fish right next to me. I enjoy a little friendly conversation and you might even learn something if you listen to folks.
I cant say I've never slung a rattletrap at somebody being rude though.

"I cant tolerate rudeness in a man"....Woodrow Call

Local boat builder just got hammered and hammered hard
The lady went to local news FIRST and then to the plant Mgr on duty
People of Abilene HAVE HAD ENOUGH of what goes on at Kirby lake
Petitions are drawn up so look for them the next few weekends if you fish that lake
.
http://tige.com/
Local folks are sick of you,literally

I am in the rain dance camp, I genarally do the strip down to my undies and pull them high and tight like a sumo wrestler. Then start in a hauka dance, 60% of the time it works every time!

Which tournament trail was this?

It all boils down to public water being just that, public. All this talk about slinging weights or lures at people is nothing more than keyboard tough talk, If you injure someone YOU will be responsible. Hook someone in the eye with a topwater and you can bet you will be selling your boat to pay the settlement.
Rude/ignorant/inconsiderate people are everywhere, especially in public places. When I launch my boat, my blood pressure drops, and all the days headaches go away. I wont let one asshat with no manners ruin it. There is ALWAYS another spot

Name and shame. Post the photo of the boat, hopefully with sponsor names showing clearly. If everyone started doing that I think you'd see the tournament fishermen become ever so much more considerate. Or lose their sponsors.

Start the trend here and now! Post those photos!

You where fishing one of the community holes. One of the well known spots, so just sit tight.
They are trying to get you to move because they think you are on "their spot" but just keep fishing and they will usually move on.
No need to argue with them because as you said others showed up as well so you can't take on masses when you are outnumbered.
I've dealt with it plenty of times, and just bite your tongue and smile a lot.

Speedos..... And a lack of a sun tan. Being a little over weight works better too. They should let you have the area.

Used this last week on Richland Chambers, guy driving by spots us lifting a fish over the side and makes a beeline straight to us. He stopped about 40 yards upwind and puts down his trolling motor. No problem, they start dropping and catch a few and all is well. A few minutes later he's about 20' away and I ask him to" pass me a beer", he says "What" so I repeat. He get a puzzled look on his face so I say "figured if we were fishing together, you'd at least buy the beer". The guys in my boat started snickering a little. The guy in the other boat shrugs his shoulders with his hands up like he doesn't get it. At this time he's no more than 10' off my boat. I asked him to pick up my marker and roll it up for me since he's "closer to it than I am". Well he finally figured it out, as my guys were about rolling on the floor laughing. Being the polite cus that he was, he fired up the big motor, revved it a few times, and drove out of sight. Had he not had kids and a wife in the boat, I may not have been as nice. Maybe he'll think a little before doing that again? Doubt it.

That was classy lmao

Had similar experience Saturday in Birch. Fishing near the bank, road bed, two big time tournament boys throwing spinnerbaits beating the bank. Hard to miss me in my pontoon, facing backward with a 7' plus rod obviously throwing near the bank. They kept coming, thought they'd go around at a point. Didn't. Cut right through. I asked them if I was in their way. Their comment, "oh we thought you were crappie fishing". So, I picked up the biggest jig I had tied on, slung it right near their bow and told them the next time it would be in their ear. One asked me if that was my son with me. I said, yes it is, and I teach him to have some fishing etiquette. I asked them if they'd like to come over and discuss it further, more or less. Neither seemed to interested to meet me half way. I guess I was supposed to move, bow down, or tell them to "play through". Wish now I'd gotten a photo of them so I could post. Next time I will!

Sure, I understand about turning the other cheek and teaching patience and love and kindness. However, I'm a bigger fan of teaching to not let people walk all over you!!

I'm in the speedo/jockey shorts camp. Strip down and tell them I am glad you guys showed up, we were worried we were alone on this planet and well thought maybe a zombie apocalypse had occurred.

It's Conroe, I stay away from Memorial Day until way after Labor Day. They and the pleasure boats can have it.

I got the "you're setting a good example for your son" and I replied "you're setting a good example for a dumb a__". It went downhill from there.

I'd probably been better off ignoring him but I'm in the group to stand up your yourself and not let some jerk run all over you. Can't help it, it's just not me.

E X A C T L Y !!
Why I open carry on my Texas lakes while in the big boat
Dont need no keyboard confusion when I fish
Press any ramp issues and the roof mounts come out should the need arise that your buddy is as stupid as you are.
2017 in the Empire of America,aint no do overs
I dont play america any more

Good bit passed eight years now in the Empire of America for that
Might need to wake up a good bit more
Fun stuff hasnt even begun to play out

Wrong ppositioning you need to go the other way before you end up nailed in public

^^^ what does that even mean?

I was wondering the same.

So which tournament was this? Can you share that info?

The PC term would be victim I believe
Not well versed in it so

This is something I just live with. I will try to talk them into not going right over the fish, and invite them to anchor up beside me. If that doesn't work, I'll just get a bottle of water and a snack and watch a while. If they leave ok, if they don't ok. Life is short and fishing is fun.

I sent PM, I'd rather keep the name out of it. The guy I spoke to was very nice and know it wasn't a reflection on the entire group. I had several boats fish the area and all were very respectful, two got really close, one ridiculously close. My point was he went right where we were casting. Getting close is one thing, going directly where we were casting is another issue to me.

We had just had this conversation regarding high school tournaments and etiquette. I just don't think it's unique to high school, it happens everywhere, at most all experience levels. I'm sure it's best to ignore them or politely discuss it with them. If they want to argue then I have zero respect for them and will defend my opinion but that's just me.

Sarg, are you referring to me? You don't have to be PC to me, I wasn't' a victim to anything and I'm not in to the PC stuff. Saying that, I'm not one to sit there and not say a word. Just an open discussion on how others handle this situation. I grew up fishing a lot in Tennessee and was on the water most of the time. Got out of it for many years but now me and my son fish a lot. Joined the military, married, kids, typical stuff that stops a lot of activites. I don't know it all by any means but I'm respectful of others fishing and will not park my boat where others are fishing. I may not be smart but I'm smart enough to have some respect and common sense.

hold on a minute...

man you need to take your meds

And a straight jacket.

Point is you didnt PC compromise,you engaged
Regardless of method you werent a coward,props to you for that IMO!
Its every mans choice to sit when they [censored] or not . . . . .
Clearly seen now who does and does not
POINT REMAINS! . . . . you are to defend your position and not go with the flow of PC dilution.
Strong work Sir!

Left PC world (believe) all that think me need to take meds
Thanks for following THEM!
BTW did you ever Serve this Country?(position qualifier)

It's hard to say what I would do in your situation; especially with your son on board. I know I would say something; more in amazement rather than anger. I would probably mention that I too can follow you around and make sure that I could interfere with your fishing for the rest of the day. I have a full tank of gas and I'm not fishing in a tournament.

Sarg,
No offense amigo, but if the reason you open carry on any body of water, is just in case someone gets too close when you're fishing, or because of "ramp issues the roof mounts come out" hahahaha.
Did I serve? " position qualifier...
sorry for getting this off topic fellas, but I can't imagine some nut, thinking that the pistol on his hip is going to make people act like it's your lake. You might need to be medicated

LMAO,strange you would think such,tooo funny!
I fish alot of south border lakes just to clarify
Otherwise I prefer concealed at all times

not a big fan of the open carry . Seems almost like your looking for problems . Not you in general sarg but the whole open carry ordeal unless your in a really bad area which still could backfire in most scenarios . I like the element of surprise . [censored] KA BOO bad guy say hello to my para ordanance lol ... But boat ramps and everyday confrontations with a holes is where I go put it up in the truck cuz you don't want some thing stupid happening in the heat of the moment . Ya know ?

Exactly
There is a fine line to focus on going in
Ive been threatened with holes in my boat three times to many.

I may have read today that this particular tournament is no longer going to be sponsored/run by by the current group.

So we have guys chunking baits at them and drawing down at them on here. ......all over a fishing spot.

You forgot getting nekkid!

Looks like I got all kinds of options, some very interesting ones indeed.

Everyone enjoy you're weekend, remember what it's really about.

INDEED!!
Remember the ones who armed themselves and DEFENDED for the ones who sold out for safety

Gonna tick some people off here but some of the worst pot lickers I have ever seen have been Crappie fishermen. They will come right up on the same bridge pillar you are fishing and drop down within inches of your line. Seen it many times.

Tick'em Off!!(TFF womens auxiliary)
Seen that alot on metro clogged lakes
Something about open carry covering every word spoken after [censored] you think your doing?
Really does suck when folk need to be clued on manors and civility
Still takes courage to defend,armed or not,sad what the american male has been reduced to the last 20yrs

Wth is going on here?? It's freaking fishing. This dude is nuts

No,its page 5 and about men that allow others to push them around

There are always those who push, and those who get pushed. Sometimes the pushed push back, sometimes they do not. It has been that way since the dawn of humanity. Escalating such things to the brink of violence and verbal assault over a fishing hole is simply asinine. If you feel that you need to forcefully assert yourself anywhere and everywhere, just because you can, or because you feel it is your "right", then you are wasting your energy. Sometimes the outcome is to your benefit in the long run to just go ahead and get pushed. In rare cases where someone just threatens unprovoked physical violence, by all means push back. Some people just aren't worth the effort. This is clearly one of those cases. I cannot stress how stupid it sounds to me for someone to think a recreational venue, such as a public water body, is a good place to establish your righteous masculinity just cuz ya can!!!

The nutcase can't count either.

I am in D/FW area, we have lots of Corp lakes like Lake Lewisville. You can't carry on them since it's a corp lake.

I've been a cop for 25 years and can carry on any lake. Never felt the need. Never need to show someone open carry to scare them from a spot. You go looking for trouble enough and you'll find it.

Agreed.

Even though I'm a strong advocate of open carry to deter criminals, I think it's extraordinarily foolish if your purpose is simply to intimidate other people. That's how minor arguments escalate into deadly force.

I do wear a revolver openly sometimes (though not on Corps property), and I exercise my most non-confrontational personality possible when I do so.

Thats what Flare Pistols are for
Double Duty Signal Device

FTFY