Jaws Derby Ediquite

[Viking]

I have fished the JAWS derby the last 3 years and have had a great time, despite the Saturday weather. Last year people posted about planer board lines being run over and so. I ran into a situation on the last morning, where I headed out of the Superior entry, went to 70 fow and headed east. The water was a little bumpy and growing. We caught a laker, and continued on the 70 foot mark. 2 boats came in from out farther, one working the 60 foot line, and one working the 80 foot line, heading towards me. Plenty of room for us all. We had a release, and it was the 12 year old on board, turn to take it. (I love having a youngster on board and watching the expression on their face as they grab their first rod full of big lake fish). I could tell right away it was a Chinook, and the youngster was going to have a handfull. I had 2 boats heading towards me, on either side. Then 2 more releases. The other 2 people on deck grabbed the rods, the waves were growing. The Chinook took to the port side. I wanted to turn the boat, so he could fight the fish on the side of the boat. I wanted to call the oncoming port side boat, to see if he would cut the kid some slack, and veer off a bit. I am sure he could see the kid, giving it his all. I wasn't sure how to hail the boat on the radio. Long story short. The 2 guys were fighting the same laker. (took 2 stick baits off the same board) got their fish in. The waves were growing fast. One of them fell. The youngster got the fish to the boat and in. (4.5 Chinook). We pulled lines, and turned and headed in. 2 smaller boats followed in my wake. (I don't blame them. it was smooth water and anybody is welcome to do it anytime). I am sure the boats on both sides, seen the youngster fighting the fish. a little lee-way would have been nice, but I wasn't quite sure how to try to make contact with them. I fish the Derby because I am there and enjoy fishing. Nobody is going to get rich winning the derby. Common sense and courtesy is appreciated. The youngster now has a lifetime memory, and a nickname of "noodle arms" and has asked to come back and be a part of it again this year. They drive from Ada MN, to enjoy the event.

[Surface Tension]

Kick her down to 1 watt and kindly explain you have a fish giving a youngster some trouble and ask that they swing out till your get the fish in.

[matthothand]

In my experience it's always been easiest to bring fish up the back instead of along side the boat especially kings. They are notorious for making kamikaze runs at the props and seems easier for the fish to run around the boat if it's along the side. Sounds like you got both the fish anyways though it maybe would have been more comforting if the other boat on your port side had changed course a bit. There's a chance they didn't see the kid with the rod and even if they did they most likely assumed you were on a straight course and no lines would cross. If you ever think you need more room get on the radio and ask for some air. Most times you will get it.

[SKIPPERS KID]

I thought i might say some thing jaws derby ediquite is not the word it is proper boat control and to give every body room to move it is not jaws falt to bad boat control. You just had fog and bad weather and people that dont think around you. I am glad my boat was not there i thank you for takeing yungsters out that is great.

Whatching boats around you and where they are going will help you make your next move. We all are out to have fun i know days like had are not fun and hope more people see this and look 360 degres around them and know what can happen when the distance get shorter and shorter between boats.

Jaws or not people just seem to fish by other boats thinking they are doing good and set up right on top of one another and stead of watching they are seting lines with now baot control just thinking of them selves well hope more people think and have safer troling on the big lake.