Fishing Ethics
 

I was just reading some of the comments about the lack of courtesy by some fishermen. Personally, I think that we should have a forum topic on Ethics, how about it, moderators? Most experienced Salty Cajuns are aware of proper ethics but we get a lot of reads from non-members and some people really don't know when to shut down the big engine and put down the trolling motor or how close is too close. The ones who don't care probably won't ever change but we may educate a few. I watched a segment on TV the other day by Rick Clunn on Fishing Ethics. He related a story that when he was young, he and his dad were catching trout one day in Galveston Bay when several boats came in too close and messed up their fishing. His dad was so upset that he quit saltwater fishing and started bass fishing on Sam Rayburn. This incident started Rick on his career with the Bass Masters - Amazing! Sometimes good comes from bad. I watched another TV segment by my idol - Larry Dahlberg. He put hydrophones in the water and listened to the sounds that different baits made. I single blade spinnerbait makes a racket under the water. Outboards and trolling motors make lots of noise but fish get accustomed to some of these noises. I think that some saltwater fish have come to associate free food with the sounds of shrimpers, crabbers, and oystermen. We sometimes tend to attribute great powers of reasoning to game fish. I think that fish have some very acute senses and some basic instincts that serve them well but they have very little reasoning ability. Just my thoughts, they are probably worth what they cost you, $ 0.00

like you said, the ones that do it already(bad ethics) probably think what they are doing is just peachy.

This sounds great as long as it a forum of what not to do and how to do the right thing. I fear it will become a pissing and moaning forum. You can't correct what has never been taught!

my point exactly

some things seem like common sense....others vary by person. some people may feel 50 yards is too close to crowd someone fishing and others 100 yards. Also, what environment you are fishing- I would never get within 25 or so yards of somone in a lake, but what about when fish are schooled around a structure or dead end canal??

Im come to the point is that....you can lead a fool to the boat launch give him a instruction book but never change his ethics.....So its just inbreed in them to be a idiot on the water

ignorant idiots do not have ethics or sense....you are fighing a losing battle trying to
teach them....can't argue with them because they got their heads up their a$$e$

From what I saw today, ethics will be out the door tomorrow.

I'll argue back though...........maybe a fellow has ethics he just does not know etiqutte in fishing??

Could be a new fellow. My Dad never fished or hunted, learned most on my own. I am sure I ticked a few guys off over the years.

And I have run up on boats and camps looking around for turn or making sure I didn't run aground.

everyone makes mistakes.

I just think we could, maybe, perhaps teach a guy so he does not repeat his mistake to his son.
AND...........maybe even some of us may learn a thing or two

A good post by Simple Peddler. I agree.

I agree with Simple Peddler too, it more etiquette than ethics and it varies based on the situation. If we can come up with a list, I'll bet Mrs. Elaine would let me post them in the store. Here is a start:
1. Minimize the time that you spend blocking the launch. Get your preliminaries done (plug in and transom saver off etc.) before you block the launch.
2. Move your boat out of the launch area into the mooring area before you go to park your truck and trailer.
3. Don't be creative in your parking spot. Park in the normal designated spots.
4. Be conscious of your wake when leaving and when approaching the dock.
LDWF states that vessels approaching a landing dock or pier shall yield the right of way to any departing vessel.

help a man that is with his young son, or wife, or older father.

of course, same man has to accept it!

Some can't be helped and some don't want help. They are too proud.

The Parish or State needs to implement "NO WAKE" zones at each launch. We had 20 or
so boats at Calcasieu Point docked and people were passing at planing speeds, bouncing
everyone around.

That Condor Tug is the worst. He will Rock and Roll your boat. I will bring up the "No Wake" zone with the parish folks. I have seen boats "Rock the Dock" where the folks are fishing and crabbing on the point. Some of those guys fish with surf rods and they can sail a one ounce weight about 75 yards. Every fisherman deserves respect.

No Wake
 

Even if there is not a no wake zone, my understanding is you are still resposible for your wake and any damage it may cause.

That is correct.

Yeah my dad never fished, I had to learn things on my own, fishermen usually aren't my problem its the other boaters.

when i saw the title, i thought is said fishing ethnics.

I felt that would have been an inappropriate topic

ya killin me smalls