6 Unwritten Rules of Bass Fishing Etiquette
http://www.scout.com/outdoors/wired2fish/story/1768820-6-unwritten-rules-of-bass-fishing-etiquetteFollow these rules to ensure youre respecting your fellow anglers on the water.
The angling community doesnt talk about etiquette near enough. For whatever reason, its a touchy subject that can really get folks riled up. Instead of complaining about our run-ins and bringing other fishermen down on social media, I think its time we look at it dead in the eye and have a quick discussion.
Its impossible to tip-toe around some of these issues, so Im not going to. I'll just call things as I see them. I have made some of these mistakes myself and learned valuable lessons from them. My hope is that we can all simply get on the same page about some things. Were in this gig together and the better we get along with everyone, the stronger well be as a unit.
I left out all aspects of boat ramp etiquette in this piece because I wrote an entirely separate piece about it. It was too much to put into one article.
No. 1: Cutting anglers off
Tournament organizations have some specific rules in place regarding this issue, but what about the average folks who just want to spend a nice Saturday on the lake? Lets talk about it.
This rule of thumb is simple: If you find yourself trying to justify it in your mind, youre probably cutting someone off. Furthermore, if youd get ticked off if another angler did it to you, you probably shouldnt do it to someone else.
If you have mapping technology on your boat, try to pay attention to the structure the angler is fishing. If theyre fishing a point, dont get between them and the shoreline. If theyre fishing a hump or a bar in the middle of the river channel, hug the steeper side of the channel while you pass them. Simply being attentive can make a huge difference in this sport.
Similarly, if youre in a creek and someone is fishing a row of boat docks (or any kind of cover), dont start fishing three docks ahead of them on the same side of the creek and think youre doing them a favor. Theyre obviously headed in that direction, so just let em have it. Find some different docks.
No. 2: Theyre not here, so I can fish it
If you fish with buddies long enough, youll eventually find yourself in this sticky situation. Tell me if this doesnt sound familiar:
Youre in your buddys boat and he takes you to a spot you didnt previously know about. The two of you just flat-out wreck the bassIm talking big ones and lots of them. A few days later, you get off work early and hit the water for a few hours before supper. That whack-fest from last weekend is heavy on your mind, the conditions are identical and the spot isnt far away.
Do you fish it?
Some would and some wouldnt. That's your call, but Ill say this: Ive seen a bunch of friendships ruined over a fishing spot. It may sound crazy to some, but it happens all of the time. Think long and hardand it wouldnt hurt to ask your buddy permission, eitherbefore you risk losing a friend.
No. 3: Check with nearby anglers
If theres a certain spot youve been dying to fish and theres another angler fishing nearby, slowing down to an idle and politely asking permission will get a lot of respect from other fishermen.
Hey man, you catching em today? Would you mind if I fished this stump row for a few minutes? I dont want to mess you up, so I just wanted to check with you first.
Stuff like that works wonders. If they say no, thank them anyway, wish them luck and move on. The brush pile isnt going anywhere. You can hit it another time. Its just fishing and its never worth arguing over.
No. 4: Talk to the dock owners
Bass fishermen love targeting boat docks, which can unfortunately lead to confrontations with some landowners. Were always quick to point out that they dont own the water, so we fish em anyway. But if theyre actually on the dock enjoying the afternoon with family and friends, just strike up a conversation with them. Ask if theyre okay with you making a few casts.
Looks like yall are having a good time! Man, I dont blame you in this pretty weather. Would it be okay if I made a few casts real quick? Ill get out of your hair after I catch this 10-pounder from under your dock!
Whether we want to admit it or not, theres often a divide between bass anglers and dock owners. We can annoy them and they can annoy us. But if we do our part and handle our interactions correctly, both sides can realize the benefits of one another.
Their docks hold a lot of fish that we enjoy catching. Our sport can bring a lot to their communitys economy. Its a win-win and a simple smile and short conversation on our part can make an awesome impression.
No. 5: It ain't the Daytona 500
If there is one gripe Ive heard more than any other about bass anglers, its that we drive our boats too fast.
Theres nothing wrong with lifting the bow and letting er eat when the conditions are safe and youre following the rules of the waterits one of my favorite things to do. But on a busy weekend when the lake is full of recreational boaters, just kick it down a notch. The bass will be there when you get there.
Very few folks are impressed by how fast your boat can go. Its not the Bassmaster Classic. Youre not going to set any speed records. And in the large majority of situations, youre not racing someone to one particular spot.
I might sound like a wuss, but againwe all need to be respectful. Everything we do out there represents each and every person reading this article. This sport is so much more than drinking beer and watching bobbers, so lets not let our actions sell ourselves short, especially when safety is involved.
No. 6: Be a helpful guest
I am not and will never be the dude who chases you down at the boat ramp to get 20 bucks in gas money from you. Those guys arent too fun at parties. But I do believe in offering to help when youre in someone elses boat.
If someone is nice enough to share their boat with you, just pay it forward a little bit. You dont have to make it rain dollar bills on them and unhook all of their bass throughout the day. Fishermen are a good group of guys, so theyll probably turn down any help. But the thought is what matters.
You can back their trailer down for them, help em wipe down their rig at the ramp, bring a few sandwiches or just be the first one to hop out and pull the drain plug and put the trailer straps on. Its not all about the money, but showing appreciation is, well appreciated.