Question.... well before I get to that, let me state this first. I would never encroach upon someone, recreational fisherman or guide, who was anchored or drifting upon a certain spot.

If someone is trolling (big motor) back and forth over a ledge, hump, shoreline, or any other various structure or marker, guide or not (shouldn't make a diff IMO), is it bad etiquette to rotate in and also troll that same area along with the other boat, as long as you are not crossing in front of them, over their lines, disturbing the area, or squeezing them out? Or is that area, perhaps because they are a guide, somehow off limits and the one particular boat can then claim to have full spectrum dominance over that location?

I'm asking because I have been in plenty of situations where multiple boats, guide boats included, especially on big lakes, are all trolling the same area, with courtesy, and nobody is getting upset and yelling at the other boat for daring to try and troll the same structure as that one other boat. I tried this yesterday and I was confronted by a not so happy camper who was obviously a guide, and I guess he thought I was reaching in his pocket or something.

I don't usually troll on Texoma, but do plenty on Twok, where it doesn't seem to be an issue. Is Texoma somehow different? Was I in the wrong? Fish weren't really cooperating yesterday for me, so had to resort to some trolling. Again, would never roll up on someone drifting, anchored, or otherwise, but when they are trolling with their big motor, I didn't view that as off limits to access the same structure (assuming I didn't stop and get in the way). Please let me know if I am the wrong and I will take note.

Thx

Rotating in on a community (well known public area) is totally fine.

The challenge you are going to face when doing this is trolling behind another boat� When they hook up and stop to take Fish off and you do not hook up� That puts you right up against the other boat� Passing them on the starboard or portside which can be a little tricky.

We do this exact same thing with 2-3 our guide Boats� It can be done but definitely takes a lot of attention. I could see how the original boat trolling could get frustrated if the boat that comes into rotation doesn't give the other boat space and ends up Cutting him off (not meaning to) bcuz the boats are hooking up at different times.

If Fishing has been tough and I spend over an hour looking for fish and finally find a small school in a isolated area of the lake and then I am joined by another boat trying to fish the same small school which affects my fishing...then that could possibly become a problem.

It's a situational thing. Attitude of the 2nd boat...etc.

We don't troll much...but do enough to understand your question.

I am not a troller and that is exactly one of the reasons why.

I have never been much on trolling, but see it done a lot where I fish. I have seen a flotilla seven boats deep before working a stretch of lake. They all seem to get along fine, some are guides, some are not. I never have heard them get twisted at each other. I will say that some trollers are more respectful of non trollers space than others.

Another reason I don't troll. Always seems like half of the trollers are made at the other half.
Johnny

I NEVER troll but here is my take. NEVER troll thru schooling fish...if boats are present working a school and you are a troller just move on you won't make any friends. If you are trolling a spot catching I will NEVER bother you and others shouldn't but well ya know This is a forever issue and will never be resolved but "cooth" should be used. I wish there was a simple solution but there isn't

Its only a problem on Texoma ...... Everyone else knows how to get along .....

True^^^

So not true! Last year when I was on twok it was the same [censored]. Always a problem unless your the problem then not a problem lol!!! I'm a Lone Ranger 90% plus of the time so I'm pretty rare on the chaos. If a troller relentlessly comes I leave every time and if a troller is on a spot I don't stop as there is lots of spots to fish.

We've had a problem with people cutting us off at lake tawakoni but these people were on jet skis and not even fishing so I don't know why they would go close to our boat in the first place

Brocephus sorry to over post if boats are trolling then troll away

Agree Chris if I see people trolling I am not fishing that area. I just wish trollers would give me the same room. How many times I am spot locked on a group of fish and trollers will troll within 15 ft of my boat and put the fish down. It sure works both ways. Why I run from trollers . It is always a mess. Just wish they would do the same for me.
Age old problem. I just go find another pile of fish. I use my electronics.

If I'm trolling I don't mind you joining me but don't cut me off or cross my lines. We can all have fun. Just be respectful

Also depends on the amount of traffic.

If the lake is crowded, I'm more tolerant of people invading my space.

If the lake is empty and some jack-hole trolls into my spot, less tolerant.

I came across a guide trolling Cedar Creek last week and he had put out 2 markers showing his troll path and the extent of it. He was about 25 yds on the deep side of Key Ranch Drop-off and running parallel to it, a popular structure at CC. I carefully approached to see if there was room to fish on the shallow side of the drop-off. Because he had marked his path, I could fish the shallow side without being in his way. I, a dedicated structure fisherman, appreciated that and applaud the guides who mark where they are trolling structures.