So, is it dumb to wade when boats come around?

[bobo23]

I love wading. I just started it last year and I had a blast. But as the spring got closer and more boats appeared, there were times when I was being all stealthy, and doing my thing, to be cut close by some guys in boats. I know that particular subject has been covered on here before. But I have this question to the more experienced waders on the forum. If someone makes a drift by you, other than maybe being a little discourteous, do you think it wrecks your chance at a big trout?

[meaux fishing]

If they are just drifting probably not. But if they are being noisy and running the tm a bunch probably. I'm no expert though, just my opinion.

[keakar]

yep, as long as they keep their distance you should be ok, but if they are close enough to hear them talking, then I think they are defeating your stealth approach of wading.

for me, if they are closer then 1/4 mile away from me, then I don't get out to wade fish and stay in the boat or move to another area

[Bdub]

On more than one occasion we have had boats come up pretty close, most of the time they drift on past and the bite will slack off, but seem to pick up when they leave. I've also had times when I'm wading solo and could cast into a boat with 4 people being loud, still pulling fish while they cant buy one...I think it just depends on how the fish are feeding, if they are being finicky, then it seems like it would play a bigger part compared to if they are hungry and aggressive.

[TroutSupport.com]

I agree, One tournament I was actually in the boat and it was calm. Some guys pulled in behind us and got out and waded right where we just TM'd through... about 20 mins later they hooked up a couple fish. We moved a little further up and we hit some fish as well. I think it depends on the shoreline and the structure, this particular drop off was known for guys standing in one place and waiting for the fish to move up and down the shoreline including some big fish. Now if it had been windier, and there was a lot of hull slap, that might push them off as well. All that said, I've drift right through propwash before and have caught fish right where a boat just passed, one time it was even my propwash. The fish get used to it to some extent, I think some even begin to use it to feed on injured bait that get's hit. Does it piss my off when someone potlicks me....sure, It's all nice an peacefull and then they show up.. but it's all part of sharing the water. It doesn't always mean it's ruined... sometimes it is though.

[bobo23]

Thanks for all of your answers, guys. I guess the consensus is......it depends. Depends on the area of shore line. How skittish the fish are. How loud the boat is being, etc. I guess it's just more annoying than anything else. Sometimes, I'll bite the bullet and just stay in a popular area and deal with the boats because I know there are fish there. Then there are times when I'll just say F-it, pick up my marbles, and leave. Sometimes, a peaceful bank with less fish is just what the Dr. ordered.