Does anyone ever have a problem with people fishing off the courtesy docks at boat ramps?
Last night when I came back in from the lake there were 5 people set up on the dock with chairs and lights, and lines all over the place.
They pulled out 1 line and then tried to motion me in like I was parking a car!
I got close enough and asked them to pull a few more out because I didn't want to run over their lines and tangle my prop.
They complained but did it.
I haven't had any real problems, except from a few drunk people but I'm getting tired of it.
I've always tried to be polite and remind them gently that this is a boat dock, and there are fishing docks in other places along with miles of shoreline.

Well, you did VERY WELL!!! I know where you are comming from. Those people are doing what they can to try and catch fish. I respect that. It's only a few minutes while loading the boat that we have to deal with them. They deserve some respect.

But on the other hand, if you are fishing on a courtesy dock, and boats are comming in, it doesnt hurt to pull your lines in for a few minutes and let the load up... You can make some really great friends by doing that. They may even invite you out on their boat..... I would, making new friends and fishing buddies is what life is all about... Lets all tolerate, respect each other and have fun.

I have had the problem often, most time when loading at or just before dark I ask VERY politely if I think Im not able to get close enough to dock so my wife can get out to get the truck, Have had some real nasty come backs most from young people, one time the young man said you to old to jump 2 ft to dock, that time my youngst "25" yr old got in fromt of me and jumped to the dock and proceeded in very intellictual (sp) language "none cussing" had a discussion with them about courtesy the mother showed up and took them away and appoligezed (sp)I usually give my fish to them if they want them unless I gotta a good limit which is VERY seldom

I respect everyones right to fish, however, if the docks are marked not fishing, then I have no qualms about asking someone to move. I fish mostly by myself, one afternoon at basrop, a guy was fishing the boat docks, had left all his tackle (3or 4 rods) tackle boxes etc, all over the dock, he was fifty yds off and gave me dirty looks when I asked him to move his equipment. at southshore there is only one dock that is suitable for loading and off loading. ITS REALLY ALL ABOUT RESPECT, WHEATHER ITS IN A BOAT OR ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN THE GROCERY STORE.

Was fishing on Lake Belton a few years ago, and got the prop tangled in some throwlines that an individual had tossed out from the courtesy dock, he had fastened them so low you couldn't see them. Cut the line away from my prop and before I could yell out to the operator of another boat he became tangled in some other lines that were fastened to the dock. Unlike on my boat, the line had got tangled up inside the lower unit. I watched as he proceeded to cut away every throw line the subjects had fastened to the courtesy dock (10) and then watched as he and his friend got out of their boat and walked into the tent the subjects had set up just above the courtesy dock, even though it was posted as a no camping area. When I pulled away from the area I could tell that an old fashion butt kicking was taking place.

I have done it in the past, but I always follow a few personal rules. When a boat comes in, I make sure my lines are out of the way and that my tackle isn't scattered around...i.e. make it where they can get on the dock easily. I usually tend to throw my lines such that only one or two might need to be moved to open up all the space they would need or to clear the boatramp of lines.

If the dock says "no fishing or No swimming", they need to learn to read what the damn sign says & obey it, the rest of us do!I am through being Mr. Nice guy to a bunch of ill bred, inconsiderate jacka$$es, I am fed up with them, people like them have no respect or common courtesy about them what so ever! They need a good old fashioned thrashin'& to lose all their tackle scattered all over the dock too! I was taught to respect others & common courtesy early in life & I will meet anyone at least 1/2 way!Too many kids coming up with nobody teaching them a dang thing that they need to know to make life pleasant for them & those around them! I am through ranting now,I just have little tolerance for stupidity& rude people!I guess I am just a biotch tonite!LOL!TLP

Geez TL, need some meds after that post ...I totally agree with ya on this, a bunch of ill bred, inconsiderate %&(&()*&...


I saw a book the other day with this title
"Surrounded by Idiots!!" don't know what its about, but the title says it all.

Yeah, sometimes living close too the boat ramp has it's disadvantages& makes a man get just plumb whizzed off & out of patience! It is time to just stay in until cooler weather & let the idiots have it all! If I go back out again soon, it will be weekdays about daylight, that is the quietest times anywho!

dooley ramp at the vine... if there's a floating dock next to a boat ramp and you are getting a strange look from a boater pulling up while fishing from the dock, well then, there's your sign...

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People probably treat you with respect...you're EL CAPONE.

I have an even better one!!!! I was pulling up to the ramp at McPhereson slough on Grapevine, I could see that there were people on the courtesy dock but the light was out so I couldnt see very well, as I got closer I saw a guy pop up from inbetween a girls legs!! She started scrambling and slipped on shorts just before I bumped the dock and tied off. With a BIG smile on my face I said "looks like yall are having a good night" neither one of them said a word!!! I went about my business and loaded the boat, they were still there when I left. You might be a redneck if a romantic evening is going down on a courtesy dock!!!

The dock I use at Lewisville has a sign that says it is for loading and unloading of boats only. However, I still see people fishing off of it all the time. So far I haven't had any problems. Either they've moved their lines when they saw me coming or there was enough room that I could manuever in without them having to move anything.

That was you!?!

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OOOOWEEEEE, that is better than free drinks!That would've made an old fart like me have a stroke! LOL!!!