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.

[Siebler]

And as a reminder as much Drama as there has been with Sportboats over the years this applies there too. Having been a kayak fishermen for over 10 years I always caught crap when I worked on sportboats and the kayakers would come in WAY too close to chum lines.

These guys are trying to make a living and it is a tough industry, give them their space if they were there first. I have seen plenty of guys make a long paddle just to sit inside a sporties chum line. Not cool at all. Obviously different story if they come set up on top of you but since Mr Coz is out of Fishermens now doesnt seem to happen as often.

[makobob]

So what are the proper distances to give others their space? How far off a chum line it considered right? Is it alright to slide up on another yaker, say to within 20-30 yards? What about giving them a radio call letting them know there is a wide open bite 300 yards behind them? What is considered proper?

Thanks!

[cabojohn]

IMO its the new generation of kayak fisherman who are the idiots out there.
Warning shots accross the bow seem to work best...its a big ocean...stay waaay the fawk away from other boats / kayaks.

[makobob]

Cabojohn, so educate us, Tell us what you expect to be right.

[vincentek9]

i just assume that everyone is trolling something and stay far away from them. people who go to fast and cause a wake.. i use it to test my reflexes and wave handling abilities.

[dorado50]

Originally Posted by makobob

Cabojohn, so educate us, Tell us what you expect to be right.

TRY COMMON SENSE FIRST>>>>>>>>>

[Hondatom]

Good information. IMO: if you can cast an iron and hit the other guy, you are too close. I am a true green horn around here, so maybe I am wrong.

[Iceman]

However far you can cast X 2 is a good rule of thumb

[Fiskadoro]

Originally Posted by 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.

Absolutely right.

It's like riding a motorcycle in traffic. Imagine the cars, or in this case boats don't see you. To you it's obvious what your line is doing to a passing private boater chances are they can't even see it.

[Dan]

Originally Posted by Iceman

However far you can cast X 2 is a good rule of thumb

I like this. Should be a golden rule.

While we're talking etiquette -let's talk la jolla boat launch -- it should be noted that it is not acceptable to open hatches, pick up game bags, move articles of clothing to try and see "what's in there" in other people's kayaks and/or boats back at the launch. Shouldn't even have to be said, but it happens every time i'm at the launch.

This is akin to reaching into someone's car and changing the radio station or telling your buddy you think his girlfriend is hot. ya just don't do it.

Use your noggin and try and read the body language of the person - it should be very easy to tell if someone is willing to BS and those who just want to pack their skunk (me) or glory fish up and get off the beach.

[ful-rac]

Originally Posted by Iceman

However far you can cast X 2 is a good rule of thumb

Sounds good....then the fish bite then all the rules go out the window!!!!!

[GregAndrew]

It is not as simple a question as how far. There are a lot of factors that you should keep in mind when determining how far. Sometimes, well within casting range is acceptable (like rockfishing), and sometimes you need to give much wider distances (you are both dragging flylined macks, or fancasting irons). Even if you are not fishing, and just passing by, you should give the other fisherman the room you would want if you were casting an iron or flylining a mack (if those are types of fishing that occur in the area).