Crappie fishing 'etiquette'

Since most of us are landlocked for now, I'm curious to hear if anyone has any 'pet peeves' or crappie fishing experiences that others could (and should) learn from while on the water?

For instance, I'm amazed at how many times I've been minding my own business, fishing in solitude, only to be joined by multiple boats who end up fishing within 25 feet of me without a word spoken.

Sometimes these things are humorous to me. Sometimes not so much. I'm interested in hearing things that have happened to you and responses to them. The idea here, is to raise awareness of what is acceptable behavior on the water, so please share...all of us can probably learn some things:popcorn

2 words.... Boat Ramp

Rude and crude people on the lake. Wakes, running to close to you and just plain nasty.

All in all despite the bad incidences,people are generally pretty good I think. Of course it's the best when you fish the "off season" when only people who are more dedicated fishing enthusiast are fishing. During the prime fishing season you just have to expect more people on the water with less manners and common sense. In the summer all bets are off,people who are boating,wave runners etc. just figure if your out there you just have to deal with it. Many like to show off and run by you real close. I am pretty lucky now,I have lowered my expectations so I don't bother to even get mad,because I expect it. I don't claim water anymore,I just backoff and let em have it.Tranquility is the most important thing now. I do the same thing on the road and the ramp,no road rage here .I have learned success and happiness is more about calm and rational thinking than all the people with obsessive compulsive disorder and a poor upbringing.

I agree with doggone life is to short to get mad at rude or inconsiderate people. I think you create your own happiness and if someone wants to come in and fish by me I will welcome most people and try to get to know them. I have met a lot of nice people when they have done the same.

doggone & craig...I am nearly 100% in agreement with your assessments...well-stated. I'm trying to learn to be more tolerant but am an imperfect being. Letting go of the annoyances and enjoying the moment is the right way to be. As we know you really can't control what other people do, just what you do and how you respond. Perhaps that's what we as 'fishers of men' have to offer to those who have no clue? Thanks for sharing all.

The only thing I really have to complan about is that most pleasure boaters in the summer time do not know what they are driving over let alone what they are pulling their kids over the top of, especially when they are in the coves. I'm surprised more people are not hurt out there.

If I can elaborate on barrelslimes comment: boat ramp.
The ramp is NOT the spot you pull up to, block and un strap your boat. Then back into the water. Especially when someone is sitting out of the way, preparing their boat/trailer to launch.
Or when you pull out of the water, stopping on the ramp while blocking it, and securing your boat on the trailer.
Regardless if anyone else is their or not.

Yup to all - it doesn't take much courtesy to go a long ways... I always hate to jump ahead of someone in line, but it usually doesn't take me long so if I get ready, I'll always ask if they're gonna be awhile yet or if a person is by themselves - I'll offer to help. (I Know it takes me longer to ramp in solo). Everyone always appreciates the courtesy. And agree - if someone moves in on my fishing - I usually chat a little bit and move on.
Not worth creating problems....

I feel there is a whole lot of people out on the water that don't know what boating etiquette means. They go out and buy a boat, get out on the road with it and hit the lake and it shows. Rude and crude people in my world are jerks and idiots. I hear a boat, sometimes see it running on plane in the fog, have a boat that cuts you off and think that guy is the same guy who damages your boat trailer back in the lot or maybe steal something from your truck. The last thing I want to do is bump boats and fish the same hole.( hey dude the lake is several thousand acres big) I'll say hi and howdy but I'm no chatty catty. I speak more back at the lot. I realize a person has to deal with the public more in the prime season but it's frustrating when you go to the lake to get away from these type of people on land only to find them at the ramp and on the lake. Oh well I'm done with my ranting.

yep tomg...not a rant at all. I agree with what you're saying. It amazes me how people can be. For those of us who have been life-long fisherman, boat or no boat, it's rather easy to recognize someone with little experience and common sense, courtesy, and knowledge on how to practice being a true outdoorsman. Hopefully we can agree that its a small minority who are problematic and clueless. As with most situations, those few seem to stick out and amplify the problem and negative perception. There have been violent exchanges between fisherman over the past few years that have resulted in senseless tragedies. None of us want that, so it stands to reason to keep your mouth shut and walk away. I, like most of you, come to the lake to avoid conflict and enjoy my little piece of heaven on earth. Stay positive and address these individuals constructively when you can. Leading, by setting a good example for other fisherman, inexperienced boaters, and youngsters is the way to go. C.com is loaded with a bunch of good people who do just that.

For the most part, crappie fishermen are a great bunch! Only issue I can think of is when you a moving down a bank casting and someone motors in and plants themselves in front of you, knowing you are heading that way. Aggravating, but not the end of the world.
My problems arise from dock owners that think they own the water all around their docks, and try to hassle you while you are fishing. Again, it's a very small minority of dock owners, and after I know who they are, I just avoid them.
Bass tournament fishermen, that's another story. I've had them ask me to leave an area, "because they were in a tournament"! I've also had them buzz real close to me to disrupt my fishing so they could come in. And, I've also, when they have saw me catch a keeper bass, offer me money for that fish. That has actually happened twice. Now I'm assuming that these are local fishing tournaments and not sanctioned tournaments.
My biggest problem, are from pleasure boaters, who have no regard for anyone but themselves. They disregard the no wake bouys, they just run up and down the lake. They come way too close to you. When you get hit by the first wake, that's way to close.

I have been known for giving people rides from the ramps up to their vehicles just to save them the walk. Especially older folks. They might even offer up some fishing info. So just be nice to everyone.

The state needs install a t-bar for getting back to the ramp and to the parking lot, broke now so whats the difference if they go a little further in the hole give the fishermen something.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pesce

The state needs install a t-bar for getting back to the ramp and to the parking lot, broke now so whats the difference if they go a little further in the hole give the fishermen something.

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These days I'm just happy if there is a courtesy dock to use to keep your feet dry. As far as fishing etiquette, some things people do bother me but I just keep quiet and pretty soon I get over it.