- Give a guy space. This is probably the number one complaint as far as the unwritten rules of
fishing are concerned. What is enough space? 200 yards is a good starting point. Never start
fishing in front of a boat closer than this without asking. Each situation is a little different, but if
you’re not sure ask. Idle up and ask which way they are going and where would be ok for you to
start fishing. If either of you aren’t comfortable with the answer, go find another spot and hope
you can get to your spot later in the day. - Don’t pass in a “no wake zone”. You should be at an idle, but if your boat idles a little fast pop it
out of gear enough to stay in line. The only reason to pass in a no wake is if the boat in front of
you waves you around. Remember, speeding through a no wake zone can get you disqualified
so no need to race. - Stay out of the way at the ramp. Don’t shut off your boat and start putting up your tackle at the
dock or in front of the ramp. Try to stay out of the way as much as possible. Same goes putting
in. - Find your own fish. Don’t pull over and start fishing where you saw a competitor catch a fish.
Don’t waypoint a spot that someone else is fishing. - First in, first out of the locks. This is sometimes not possible to do, but don’t be the guy that
waits until the last minute to go in, and then run to the first tie off and be the first out of the
lock. It also makes sense that if you’re making a long run after locking and your boat isn’t fast to
not get in the way and hold everyone up. - Don’t sore lip another guys fish in practice. If you aren’t going to fish a spot, don’t go there and
catch all the fish in practice just to play “defense”. Who knows you may end up there on
tournament day. - Respect non-competitors. Bank fishermen, swimmers, and the guy in the jon boat have just as
much right to the water as you do. Don’t ever go too close as to catch someone’s line. If you’re
not sure how close is too close, ASK. This goes with boat wake too, 15 feet from the guy in the
kayak while you are doing 75 is not good. - Passing while fishing. There are two instances here to consider, the first is when the boat in
front of you is fishing slower than you and you catch them. The best option is to ask how far
you should go before fishing again. They may even say to just go around that you’re fishing
different baits anyway. The other instance is when you meet going in different directions. Its
pretty common to just pass and go on your way, but it still doesn’t hurt to ask if they are
planning on continuing down the bank or turning around. Just asking often times prevents hurt
feelings and possible retaliation. JUST ASK!
Remember the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This solves most
problems, but if you still wonder if you are doing the right thing, ask. Most guys will respect you a lot for
it. At the end of the day, we should all be out to have a good time. Remember we are all ambassadors
for the sport.