Kayak Vs. Boat rules/etiquette - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

CheapPelican · 06-27-2014, 10:51 AM

Specifically in regards to fishing the drop off at Dana Point.

Sail boats like to round the buoy while skirting the edge of the kelp (where we fish) often coming within ten yards of me. Seems to be that when it’s just a single boat every ten minutes or so, they tend to give me a wide birth, but when they are on parade that distance becomes less. Most of the time I get a wave or a “How’s the fishing?”, but occasionally some yuppie prick likes to look down his nose at me, ignoring my friendly wave, as if I’m somewhere I’m not supposed to be.

I’m not looking to put myself or anybody else in danger, but being that is not a channel or an approach to anywhere specific, and that this occurrence happens right on the kelp edge, are there any right of way rules?

Zed · 06-27-2014, 12:40 PM

Bigger always wins.

Having kayak fished there for a long time in all seasons, and seen it all, just keep an eye out and be ready to move. Sure it's their fault if they hit you but will you really be in any position to say anything about it?
Just keep an eye out. It only gets worse in the Summer and especially on weekends.

The bearing to Avalon is right past the point. It isn't far fetched to have boaters on auto headed out there. Be a defensive kayaker, don't be complacent.

addicted2sp33d · 06-27-2014, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zed

Bigger always wins.

Having kayak fished there for a long time in all seasons, and seen it all, just keep an eye out and be ready to move. Sure it's their fault if they hit you but will you really be in any position to say anything about it?
Just keep an eye out. It only gets worse in the Summer and especially on weekends.

The bearing to Avalon is right past the point. It isn't far fetched to have boaters on auto headed out there. Be a defensive kayaker, don't be complacent.

06-27-2014, 10:51 AM	#1
CheapPelican Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Too far from the launch. Posts: 443	Kayak Vs. Boat rules/etiquette Specifically in regards to fishing the drop off at Dana Point. Sail boats like to round the buoy while skirting the edge of the kelp (where we fish) often coming within ten yards of me. Seems to be that when it’s just a single boat every ten minutes or so, they tend to give me a wide birth, but when they are on parade that distance becomes less. Most of the time I get a wave or a “How’s the fishing?”, but occasionally some yuppie prick likes to look down his nose at me, ignoring my friendly wave, as if I’m somewhere I’m not supposed to be. I’m not looking to put myself or anybody else in danger, but being that is not a channel or an approach to anywhere specific, and that this occurrence happens right on the kelp edge, are there any right of way rules? __________________

06-27-2014, 12:40 PM	#2
Zed BANNED Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: W of 5 Posts: 1,265	Bigger always wins. Having kayak fished there for a long time in all seasons, and seen it all, just keep an eye out and be ready to move. Sure it's their fault if they hit you but will you really be in any position to say anything about it? Just keep an eye out. It only gets worse in the Summer and especially on weekends. The bearing to Avalon is right past the point. It isn't far fetched to have boaters on auto headed out there. Be a defensive kayaker, don't be complacent. __________________ Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day. Give a fish a man and he'll eat for a week.