Kayak Boat Crowd Fishing Etiquette

[lamb]

We better spin some constructive discussion, educate the masses.

There seems many more complaints after the fact,
then opportunities for the new folks to learn about what's the right way to play the game together.

As a boater, and kayaker - we all need to bring it down a notch.
There is no need to fuel the fire.

You must be aware what's out there.
Yes, you have good number of boater bozos,
but some yakkers are not innocent.

Don't forget that you also have a good number of guys who have your back.
Lots of ex kayakers, some with many years on it. they know how it is to be caught in the wake.
Many guys who would not hesitate to save your ass if you were ever going to need help.
And you may. It's a big mighty ocean. I hear even some of the super experienced ones you read tales from are sometimes in need of some serious assistance out there.

Then you have the guys that just don't pay attention...

The other day at the NW Corner, spearo gunned his thin-can 20mph right by the kayaker who was drifting live bait... Right at the kelp edge, right inside of all other boats Way too fast, right through kayaker's flyline. It spooled him, almost rolled the poor guy over. We were done, so we ran after him, caught up at South LJ. We told him to better check his outboard, as he may be winding on a 300 yards of spectra. The guy scored a croaker, was all excited, in rush to get back... Didn't even realize what he did

Stay safe out there!


Keep an eye out on surrounding traffic.

At night, or in the fog, HAVE GOOD LIGHTS!.
Lot's of guys are smart, they start flashing their stuff as they hear the boat approaching.
Make yourself visible, and you should be all right.

Don't assume that the boater sees you only because you see the boat coming your way!

It happens, people space out...
It happened to me few years ago...
I almost ran over Dave - we were chasing birds,
I had the sun in my eyes - I SWEAR I DID NOT SEE HIM.
Nothing happened,
I just got way too close.
No excuse, I f'd up big time.
I promptly apologized, still feel bad about it.

My point is do not ever assume anything.
You've got to watch out.

There are many kayakers who get in a way, or slide in way too close.

No one likes to fish in the crowd.

We need to make the best experience out of it, and safe for everyone.