BOATING ETIQUETTE BY JOHN BERRY

Yesterday a group of guides were sitting around talking after the finish of a two day corporate fishing trip. We do this several times a year for this particular customer and the end of the last day is a great time for us to catch up with each other and discuss fishing in general and challenges in particular. One of the main topics yesterday was boating etiquette. We are on the river a lot and share it with all users. Some users exercise proper etiquette and others do not.

The main issue concerned passing others. Bait fishers tend to park and fish specific spots and fly fishers tend to drift and cover a given stretch of water.  Whenever I pass another boat, I carefully check which side of the boat the anglers are fishing from and try to pass them on the other side. If I am unable to do this, due to limited space or navigation obstacles, I will carefully pass or even wait until they have passed me before I motor by them. Whatever you do, avoid running over any anglers lines. That is not a great way to make friends.

When you are passing others try and avoid waking them. River boats can throw up a pretty good wake. Jet boats can create a huge wake. Wakes can be a problem for anglers fishing particularly when they are standing. I have lost my balance more than once due to a wake. When I pass other anglers, I will slow down when passing so that I do not throw a wake. Drift boats, canoes and kayaks deserve even more consideration. Always give them the right of way and please don’t wake them for fear that you could capsize them.

When drifting, pay particular attention to the drift of others. When setting up a drift make sure that you do not crowd other anglers. The downstream boat has the right of way. It is considered bad form to begin your drift just below another boat. This is called low holing and is frowned on because you are drifting where the other boat was going. It is much better to go upstream above the other boat to begin the drift.

In lower water you will also have to consider wade fishers. When there is no generation, most waders essentially fish the main channel. This brings them into conflict with boaters. You will have to use the main channel. Be respectful when passing and do not wake them. If they have a fish on, wait until they have landed it or effectively controlled it.

Then there is ramp etiquette. Everyone there wants to use the ramp. Prepare your boat for launching or for the trip home in the parking lot before you get on the ramp. The only thing you should do on the ramp is to launch or put your boat on the trailer. This is not the place to work on your motor, rig your rod or clean fish. If you motor over to the ramp to eat lunch, use the facilities or stretch your legs, park in such a way that you do not block the ramp, so that others can use it. Some anglers are like me. I drive a Suburban with a long trailer and I need quite a bit of room to maneuver it. Also when you leave the ramp, drive far from the ramp to give other boaters plenty of space to use it.

If you keep the suggestions in mind, our rivers can be a better place and we can maximize the benefits of being on the water.