How close is too close?

[JosMN]

The question is, did he anchor up where you were getting fish? I have had it happen to me this summer atleast 10 times, 5 of them were the same guy, same boat that basically follows me around till I get on fish. Everytime I have just look at him, reaalllyyy??

[mnviking28]

Have to agree with Mike#1. One trip to Mille Lacs was all it took for me. I have never, ever, been cut off, followed, and moved in on as many times as I was in 3 days on this lake. It was every scenario described here and more. You could be all alone on a flat, a mile from everyone and someone would drive by, see you fishing, make a 90 degree turn and were on you like white on rice. I said no way, I have many more places to fish. I have never been back.

[Kyhl]

That depends on the situation. I've been in situations where weaving in and out of boat traffic is expected, like opener, or a contest.

It is different if you are fishing alone in the middle of nowhere and someone parks right next to you or pulls up behind to run the same path.

To quote a fiend of mine on Vermilion, who likes to jokingly holler, loud enough for other boats to hear, when I pull up for a chat,

Quote:

1,200 miles of shoreline and you have to fish right next to me.

We always have a good laugh about that.

[IcePro]

But it's OK for a Bass Fisherman to cast to my dock when I am sitting on the dock fishing?

You can not get any closer than that.

[Bassburch]

But it's OK for a Bass Fisherman to cast to my dock when I am sitting on the dock fishing?

Eh, that's kind of a douche move imo. Whats the point of casting at your dock if you are ON it?

If I see someone using their dock I go around it, at a cast length if they are fishing.

Next time someone casts at your dock while you are fishing start jumping up and down while making monkey noises and I'm sure they'll leave promptly.

[Hoey]

On the other side of the story, I have gone out and anchored up or starting trolling slowly only to find I am on the drift path of the only other boat in the area. This other boat was a 1/4 mile away when I setup. When they drifted by within 30', they shook their head at me and kept going, and I knew exactly what they were thinking.

Sorry getting in their path was not my intention.

[aanderud]

When they drifted by within 30', they shook their head at me and kept going, and I knew exactly what they were thinking.

Sorry getting in their path was not my intention.

In their defense, 30 feet is really close. That isn't even 2 boat lengths. I think I'd be shaking my head too.

Whether you anticipated it or not when they were 1/4 mile away, it seems to me like the boat under power in that situation should make an attempt to widen the passing margin to at least 100 feet.

[kg2]

In their defense, 30 feet is really close. That isn't even 2 boat lengths. I think I'd be shaking my head too.

Whether you anticipated it or not when they were 1/4 mile away, it seems to me like the boat under power in that situation should make an attempt to widen the passing margin to at least 100 feet.

Agreed, it is easier for the boat under power (electric or gas) to step aside, but just because someone starts a drift shouldn't give them clearance (right-of-way) for the entire length of their drift. 1/4 mile away is a lot!

[aanderud]

Agreed, it is easier for the boat under power (electric or gas) to step aside, but just because someone starts a drift shouldn't give them clearance (right-of-way) for the entire length of their drift. 1/4 mile away is a lot!

I agree. Both folks should be on the move when they're on a near-miss like that. Most of the time when drifting people should expect to maybe have to correct course here and there, and they should have either their electric or their main engine on standby for such an occasion.