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.

[momo fish]

did you run over another yaker again?

being new, I just get annoyed when there is 20 kayakers and a boater decides to high tail and speed off causing huge waves... Like saving 1 minute was worth the risk to others...

[lamb]

No, never did,

And since you're new - I happen to be an admin around here so I can ban your ass if you annoy me too much with your comment.

Just trying to get constructive dialoge going

[bus kid]

well said Adi.

[Nic D]

well put Adi...

fished on monday out of my 17' skiff. I was slow trolling a mac in 110' off the NW corner and this yakker slid up off my port side about 10'oclock and basically stopped right in my way about 20 yards off my bow. He stayed there until he was so close I could have pissed on him or offered him a beer. He eventually realized he was too close and peeled off.


good info in your post!

[driftwood]

Good job Adi!

Your many years experience in a kayak and on a boat
deserves your attention and respect from both kayakers
and power boaters.

[dorado50]

If you are slow trolling a bait or two and you see a power boat coming towards you, begin to wind in you line(s) slowly as he may or may not turn away from your lines! Err on the side of caution so can still keep fishing.

[Socalrobt]

Thank you for posting this Adi! Great stuff.

[steveooo]

Good discussion lamb, but you left out the fish report part

I like the 2X casting rule, and the common sense rule. I've been too close to someone when they hooked up, and because of that I caused them to lose a fish. I felt like such an ass. I still do. I don't really remember all the fish I have personally lost, but I always will remember the one I made someone else lose

Summer can be bad, but it can get even worse during a "bite". During a squid bite, or any bite where guys are soaking bait, the fleet stays pretty stationary. If you are going to move, reel up your lines and only pass other boats on their bow. Don't stop and set up shop directly off their stern. In those type of "bites" I've always had better luck hanging somewhere outside of the fleet.

The longer I kayak fish, the more I realize I like the solitude of it. I see people all day at work. It's nice to get away every once in a while....unless someone leaks that the and are chewing wfo. If that happens I'll see you guys down there

[easyday]

What about carrying a small signal mirror to give them a quick flash to get their attention?

[MrPatrick]

A wrist rocket is classified as a dangerous weapon when aimed at a person. If you brought it up in court that you were almost by their boat ,they could counter that you assaulted them by firing upon their vessel with your slingshot. It's a no win situation. Don't ask how I know about wrist rockets and the laws that govern their use.

[easyday]

Almost got ran over by vessel assist....the guy was looking at his phone

[CKallday71]

Irony... You're doing it right.

Originally Posted by easyday

Almost got ran over by vessel assist....the guy was looking at his phone