By Author John Olsen
It's that time of year again; when everyone with a boat is out fishing and having fun. Unfortunately, many people believe they are the only ones who matter in the world and may need a reminder of the boating rules of etiquette.
For those who don't understand:
Etiquette is the Customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group. Etiquette is simply treating everyone how you would want to be treated.
So forgive me for being the “Get Off My Lawn” old man for a minute.
Last Saturday, I took the family out to do some wiper fishing on Willard Bay. We had just trolled down to where the dike starts on the south end when my motor crapped out on me. After an hour of working on it, I finally decided we needed to get back to the dock. I put out an APB for help but got no response. We started to row the 16' Lund in hopes one of the 20 boats around us might see we needed help. Nope, not one asked if we needed help; not until 2 hours later did a kind gentleman who was leaving the dock ask if we needed help. Unfortunately, we were about 40 feet from the launch ramp by then, so we finished the row.
I've been to many places and towed guys back to the dock, and I've also been pulled a time or two. However, I have never rowed 1.5 miles past 15-20 boats without being asked if I needed help before.
This brings me to rule one of water etiquette.
1. Help out;
If someone is in need, give them some help. Yeah, what goes around comes around, and sometimes you need assistance, and sometimes you need to give it.
2. Be cautious in the trolling line;
If everything in the area is fishing north and south on a line from the shore, don't be the ass going east and west. You don't own the lake. You can troll so everyone adjusts a little to stay out of everyone's way. If you're coming to troll where several boats are already trolling, watch the pattern and fit in. Don't make everyone change for you.
3. Keep a safe distance;
If you're using planer boards or see someone else, give each other a wide berth. 50 yards is a reasonable distance. Even without planer boards, maintain a safe, respectable distance.
4. Don't get close to shore fishermen;
Shore fishermen have every right to the water, too. Stay away from running so close you get in their space.
5. Don't be an Ass;
If you wouldn't want someone to do it to you, don't do it to them. It's that simple.
Rules of etiquette at the boat ramp;
1. Get in line;
Most boat ramps have a line you get into to prep your boat, then when it's your turn to take a spot on the ramp, launch your boat. Don't jump the line. If someone in front of you is taking longer, ask to jump ahead, or if you're taking longer, wave them through.
2. Prep your boat before getting on the ramp.;
Don't drive down and block the ramp taking 15 minutes to get your boat ready. Get everything ready in the waiting line. It's that simple
3. Don't take up two lanes:
Every ramp has a certain number of boats that can launch simultaneously. If it's four boats across, don't take up two spots. Scoot over!
4. Don't take forever launching your boat;
If you prepare in the wait line, it should be a quick in and out. Even if you're alone, it should be short. Don't BS with your friends, or take your time. Others are waiting,
5. Know how to back up before you go:
Saturday morning with 20 boats trying to launch isn't the time for you to learn to back up a trailer. Practice before. No one is perfect, but if it takes ten times to pull forward, ask someone to do it for you.
6. If you don't know, ask;
Have a question about the line or where to park? Ask! Don't assume if you don't know.
If everyone went to the dock with a plan and a little common sense and courtesy, it would make for a much better experience for us all at the lake.
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