The other day I was in Glade Creek on Fork, as I was trying to leave in the boat lane there was a boat ideling in the center of the lane, in-line with the markers. So, instead of zooming past the 3 older men on pad I increased my idle to 6mph to the point of 6 times what they were doing and caught up with them. I asked them if everything was ok, they were in their 60's and might have been having boat trouble? Nothing was wrong!

Point being, if you are going to idle in the center of the lane in a shallow creek on Fork, PLEASE do it close to the timber line, everyone won't be as curtious as I was, and it can be extemely dangerous for all boats involved!

Idling close to the edge of the boatlane or treeline seems like it would be much more dangerous for the older gents in the boat. Especially when less courteous people than you blow past them at 60 and the wake slams them into a tree or stump.

Best thing to do is just what you did. Idle by a good distance and then get on plane.

Best thing to do is not idle in the boat lane.

Do you drive 15mph on the interstate?

Sad that some people actually do

Not everyone has a boat that will run 60, so, they cant be on the lake? Was that all the boat had? I get the impression it was a small boat. Maybe not, Either way, you did the right thing, and did the right thing to ask if they need assistance.

I was at EML not to long ago and saw a runabout out in the mouth of a cove with a guy going back and forth to either side with a paddle. I watched for a minute and they didnt wave to me for help, but hit high on the trolly to see if they needed help. I get to about 20 yards and the big motor fires up. The paddle goes in the boat and they take off.

so, ya never know.

Good Karma will come your way for your actions.

I got flipped off for running past a group of catfisherman fishing in that exact area on the exact marker this spring, I bit my tounge and went on, when I really wanted to turn around and spray them with my 225. Different circumstance the other day!

Point again, boating accidents can mostly be avoided with a little common sense, some on the lanes on Fork are very tight, why make it that much harder?

Why not idle in the boat lane? It is your responsibility to pass them with care. I haven't seen a minimum speed limit on the lake but I have seen one on the interstate.
Your logic doesn't hold water.

Mike, you are right, there isn't a speed limit for the boat lanes on Fork...and again, not all of the lanes on the lake are the same width apart, hence the Glade Creek boat lane compared to the lanes on the open lake. This particular boat was keeping the traffic from moving and believe it nor not, he probabley was unawre of it (which makes things more difficult)

The boat lanes were put out there for a reason, and most of them require precise angles in navigating them on pad. I understand that not all boats travel at the same speed, just don't sit basically idle in the way of others, its disrespectful, dangerous, and for the ill-informed!

boat lanes do not have a min/max speed. thats where common sense comes in. of youre in a boat lane and youre not on pad, be prepared for what comes with the territory.

public disclaimer: i am in no way advocating violence or mistreatment of a fellow angler.

This. Common sense folks. Regardless of what's right/wrong, it's not smart to idle in a boat lane.

Its also not smart to run WOT close to a boat that is moving real slow. What is wrong with slowing back down and take the couple of minutes to ease around them. That is a lot safer and a lot more courteous.

I would rather they keep it nailed. I see too many times that a guy slows down and starts plowing making a much bigger wave.

Ok how long does it take to slow down wave and then go on.

+1.

Sounds like the typical Fork mentality.. Get out of my way as I'm fishing where I want to.