How close is to close?

**LMBarnett** · 02-13-2013, 08:32 AM

I keep a little annoying music on my iPod, if you get too close, I break out the speakers and start up the Vanilla Ice, Devo, and New Kids on the block and crank those speakers to the max. You wouldn't beleive the looks you get, and eventually they will move on and I can go back to my good ole country at low levels.

**DRPEPPER** · 02-13-2013, 08:52 AM

I haven't had this problem since I started pulling my baits.
Coming from Texas and fishing the Chicken Coop regularly, then the pool here in Arkansas, I am accustomed to boats being near me. But, my personal rule while stationary is I try to keep at least casting distance in a crowded situation; unless I find CP or Nimrod. Don't beleave all of that stuff they say about getting near them. They really like it.

DP

**Cmj** · 02-13-2013, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by LMBarnett

I keep a little annoying music on my iPod, if you get too close, I break out the speakers and start up the Vanilla Ice, Devo, and New Kids on the block and crank those speakers to the max. You wouldn't beleive the looks you get, and eventually they will move on and I can go back to my good ole country at low levels.

The fact that you have New Kids On The Block on your i-pod is a little disturbing! Just kidding(not really!)

C.J.

**BigRiverMarine** · 02-13-2013, 09:41 AM

I've seen 20 boats spider rigging in a 100 yard or less stretch during tournaments with the wind blowing 15-20. That's close, and it's hard not to hit another boats pole tips when you're packed in like that using 16' poles. Doesn't matter if you're first on the spot or not, if the bigger fish are holding in a certain area, you better expect company. It is PUBLIC water, so you just have to deal with crowding, or leave the best fish for someone else to weigh in.

Being in a crowd will teach you one of the most important lessons in fishing tho, and that's Boat Control. Seems Boat Control is 90% of catching fish anyway. You MUST learn to control your boat no matter the style of fishing you prefer or the conditions!!!!!

BTW, crank up the music. If I'm catching fish, I won't even hear it.

Big River Marine
Bill Burnett
870-635-0202

We sell XPRESS, EXCEL, and ALWELD Boats. Yamaha, Suzuki, Evinrude, Mud Buddy, and Tohatsu/Nissan Engines.
Pro Staff, Southern Pro Tackle and Ozark Rods.
Member, Tri-State Crappie Anglers

**largemouth8** · 02-13-2013, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by Conwayslabber

I have heard anyone mention anything about bank fishing so I think I'll chime I here on this one. If you stand next to me and have to through over my line, you need to back up. I can't stand them folks throwing over my line or being elbow to elbow on a fishing pier. This is the reason I bought a boat. I don't need one to catch fish, I just got tired of dealing with people shoulder to shoulder.I like talking cutting up, and meeting new folks but I don't like someone just walking up and throwing over my line.

X2....People have a lot of courage to walk up or boat up next to me and then not only fish the same area but interfer with me. It is a big big world and there is not fish and no reason to ruin someones day by casting over them or fishing there small area at that time.
Makes me want to ask them if I could come use there toilet sometime, if you know what I mean

**BigRiverMarine** · 02-13-2013, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by Conwayslabber

I have heard anyone mention anything about bank fishing so I think I'll chime I here on this one. If you stand next to me and have to through over my line, you need to back up. I can't stand them folks throwing over my line or being elbow to elbow on a fishing pier. This is the reason I bought a boat. I don't need one to catch fish, I just got tired of dealing with people shoulder to shoulder.I like talking cutting up, and meeting new folks but I don't like someone just walking up and throwing over my line.

You better NEVER go to a spillway and fish when they're running water this time of year. It's wall to wall, elbow to elbow fishermen. Every rock is taken when the fish are biting or they are snagging em. Lol

Big River Marine
Bill Burnett
870-635-0202

We sell XPRESS, EXCEL, and ALWELD Boats. Yamaha, Suzuki, Evinrude, Mud Buddy, and Tohatsu/Nissan Engines.
Pro Staff, Southern Pro Tackle and Ozark Rods.
Member, Tri-State Crappie Anglers

**Eagle 1** · 02-13-2013, 09:51 AM

will not ever stop within 40 yds of another boat . I always try to overlook childish behavoir . If you bump my boat there is a strong chance that i may get my butt kicked .

**Cmj** · 02-13-2013, 10:12 AM

Depends on several factors. If you are fishing a small area that is known for being crowded, then you have to be prepared to be in close quarters with other boats. In those situations, I would say casting distance is too close. No problem as long as they are respectful, unfortunately there is always someone who is not. Dont be expecting to claim a 75 yard stretch of bank. Now In an open area, thats different.

C.J.

**mdperson** · 02-13-2013, 10:21 AM

For me it all depends on where we are at. If it is the main lake then I want to stay a good distance from you and hope that you will stay a good distance from me, but if we are in gold pond I do not know how you keep a comfortable distance from other folks.

**Buckrub** · 02-13-2013, 11:03 AM

This is great, and I've waiting on a lot of folks to chime in. I'm interested how y'all view this. Good stuff.

I am an old converted bass fisherman. I've found I don't crappie fish like a lot of folks (prolly why I ain't no good).......many times I 'work a bank'. I start somewhere and work the brushpiles/blowdowns/sunken logs up or down a shoreline. The times that blow me away is when someone sees me doing this and pulls up right in front of me and ties up. I know, I know, I'm about to start fishing THEIR spot and they can't stand it. But that one makes me the maddest, I'll admit.

However, in later years, I've found that I like solitude for me and whoever is in boat with me. So if you come up close to me, I just wave, and say something nice, and move on somewhere else. Well, if I happen to be pulling in slab after slab maybe not, but usually I just leave.

Also, as mentioned above, many times I'll see 3 boats together out in some open body, and I know they are on a brushtop, or sunken structure. But probably, they know each other and are just out there visiting. Most big brushtops can handle multiple boats, and all catch fish. So, just because they know each other doesn't mean they invited me in. I NEVER go close to someone else if I can help it at all.

Lastly, I have to keep reminding myself "It's a PUBLIC lake". That means that no matter what I think, or how mad I get, the other guy paid his share of that lake and I just have to live with it. If his Mama didn't instill any upbringin' in him, I can't probably fix him with a few choice words.

But to answer the actual question......I'd say two 'cast lengths' apart. Meaning, if I can cast a reasonable distance of 30 feet, and you can too, then we need to be 60 feet apart. And the lake matters..........I've seen boats so close in the cove at Lake Atkins in September that you could walk from launch ramp to other shore and not get wet. That's cause that's where ALL the fish are, and folks just have to live with the closeness to catch any.

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