Rules of the water ignored more and more

[dwhite1031]

It seems as we venture out onto the inland lakes of Texas, the ones not on the verge of drying up due to the drought, we are seeing more and more people ignoring the "rules of the water". By that I mean, no wake in a posted no wake zone, slowing down and avoiding a downed skier or wakeboarder, passing on the correct side when coming head on to another vessel, having the courtesy not to come too close to folks fishing or just enjoying a leisure cruise on the water, etc..​

Couple of weeks ago we were on a local lake that has no signicant fishing due to a golden algae kill a few years ago and in a fishery rebuild condition. We thought it would be a good place to just enjoy the day on the water and visit some friends that have a place there.

Heading in to the ramp to load up and we couldn't get in to the ramp because of the jet skiers running and doing circles right in front of the ramp area. I mean there's a whole lake to run on and there were at least 20 of these in that area raising heck. We saw a family on a small pontoon cruising and staying right of oncoming boat and jet ski traffic like they should be, have to shut down as two hefty young women on jet skis buzzed them within about 25 feet on both sides laughing their big hind ends off as they went by. Those poor people were grabbing rails and hanging on as the pontoon rocked and rolled. It just made me sick.​

And I'm seeing it more and more. I guess this is more of a rant than anything else, but it's getting to the point where safety and courtesy are becoming rare.​

 

[CaptNCamille]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

It's not any better on Long Island's Great South Bay. It can get pretty crowded during the summer. You see all kinds of ridiculous stuff going on. THe thing that gets me, is that there are so many people who don't know the rules that I find myself always assuming that the guy who should be the give way vessel is just going to keep on coming at me, so I wind up always slowing down and giving way.

Anyhow, I just keep my eyes and ears alert at all times.

 

[Thad]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

You're not alone down there in Texas. Up here in Illinois we have the same problem. Only courtesy and safety are not on the decline...they're gone!

We were out Sunday and I had to bring her down several times for everything from raft-ups in the narrows to wave runners cutting other boats without a care in the world. I guess they have figured out that the bigger boats will back off for them. And then there are the bigger boats who think they own the water. I have spent more time this year going to bigger waters to boat because I won't even let my daughters out on the tubes here at home on the weekends anymore. Just not safe.

The wife and I have even started discussing selling the boat and putting in a pool.

 

[DukesFin]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

I have to agree with you in your observations. It IS sad, isn't it?

I have a lot of opportunities to "educate" new boaters about "rules of the road", but I ALWAYS preface it with "Now, what I'm about to teach you are the very basics out here. You should NEVER assume that anyone else knows these rules." (Things like if you are running and a boat is coming at you from the starboard side, you have to give way as thier "red light" on the port side is telling you to do so, and the opposite for boats coming at you from port.) Half the time out on the lake, this is ignored by oncoming boaters.

I usually ignore jet ski's out on the lake unless they are being courteous and obeying rules. If they are zig-zagging in front of, behind or beside me, I'm going about my business while keeping an eye on them. If I tried to navigate to avoid them, I'd have to have a jet ski myself! Not all of them are rude, but it SEEMS like the rude ones are the majority.

I've heard of folks taking pictures of stupid boaters and handing them over to DNR, (this does work if you can get registration numbers in the pictures), but I opt for avoiding them unless something is imminently going to cause harm.

 

[pinecrestwoods]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

I'm really confused by this thread.

Personally, I learn best by watching how it's done.

These things I know for sure:
1. I am to be first, no matter what.
2. The shortest distance to my destination is always best- other people will slow down so I can cross in front of them- they really don't mind.
3. I can go as fast as I want, as long as I am outside the no-wake zone. Anyone fishing or anchored in that area will not mind, as they will be impressed with my speed!
4. I can drive in any pattern I want- I can do large fast circles, figure 8's, whatever in the middle of the lake- nobody else is in that area when I'm doing it, so it must be just fine.
5. When approaching the docks, there is no need for me to communicate my intended course with my boat. I can meander aimlessly as I fool with my beer and stuff on board- others will just know where I'm going.


Seriously, though, I love it when 2-3 boats and a jet ski or two approach our small docking area at the same time. Apparently, it makes no sense to form a line.

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

I agree with all of you! Courtesy is a thing of the past! A few weeks ago we were anchored off about 25 or 30 feet from shore, out of the main channel running down the center of the river. This left about 75 to 100 yards of river for boats to pass. Had let the kids out to swim and hang out by the boat. I guess there was a fishing tournament that day because as we were sitting there about 7 bass boats came flying down the river. Something told me to get the kids out of the water and I'm glad we did because 5 of these morons decided it would be best to go between us and the shore instead of using the open area torwards the center of the river. Sad to say this is not an isolated incident. Seems like every time we go out we are having to dodge some sort of stupidity.

 

[bpblake1]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

I have a house on the water, very near a boat ramp. I do my boating on Sunday mornings until about midday, because starting about 3pm the absolute best show in town is sitting on my dock with a cold adult beverage watching a large number of boaters all trying to load their boats using the two ramps....truly amazing and entertaining!!

 

[Numlaar]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

Sadly I have to agree... In FL there are no requirements to buy and operate a boat (unless your under 21, then you have to take a "safety course").

As one of the biggest boating states in the U.S. I have long been in favor of a "boating Operator's license". It won't adversely affect the good boaters out there, (more of a nuisance to go get it), and it would require all the idiots on the water to gain some practical knowledge before operating their vessels...

I was out in my little 14ft. flat bottom jon boat in the intercoastal, near shore, to fish the flats... I know this boat is a bit small to be taking out there, but have never really had a problem until recently... I fish WELL AWAY from marked channels, and because the bay for the most part is about 3ft deep at high tide (if your lucky) I generally dont have problems from other boats (except launching, or near the ramp)...

Well this 24ft Hurricane deck boat managed to get up on plane somewhere, and decided to go tearing across the flats to shortcut from the marked channels from the launch to the main waterway... keep in mind, he has the whole bleeping bay to navigate, but decided to pass within 10 feet of me!!! he didnt even slow down, running WOT, His huge wake came crashing over the front of my boat, and filled it 50% full of water... Nearly swamped the thing... It became a mad scramble to get the bilge pump out of the cooler (was using it as a livewell pump) and get it into the boat and pump it out the water before another wave came and sank me

Needless to say I was absolutely furious... my wife said she will never go out in the small boat again (and hasnt)... all because some idiot can't give way to a smaller vessel, or at least slow down, made even more frustrating when there's miles of open water to run on!

This is just one example, but I could go on and on about all of the problems with "common courtesy" and knowing the rules of the water...

Something really needs to be done, it just gets worse each year!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

There is a very simple way to handle jet skiers when they take pleasure in buzzing a fisherperson. Always have a large Musky bait with you. Attach it to a rod you are not using and when buzzed the first time, pick it up. when buzzed the second time, make a cast with it so the skier can plainly see you. When you see them coming the third time, well -- I'll leave the rest to your imagination. Believe me, it works. If you are a little faint of heart, remove the hooks.

 

[bpblake1]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

Hi Silver...I like your idea. Probably better than my thought of using a BB gun!!!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

seems like no one honors "port to port" any more so rather than "win" at playing chicken I often go the wrong way. The most important thing is to make your turn very obvious and exaggerated, then stick to it.

We're also near a large shipping channel with lots of deep water on either side. You end up with six or more alternating lanes: a north/south on one side, a north /south in the channel maybe two, and a north/south or two on the other side. And then with passing in all of them!

 

[dingbat]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

There is a very simple way to handle jet skiers when they take pleasure in buzzing a fisherperson. Always have a large Musky bait with you. Attach it to a rod you are not using and when buzzed the first time, pick it up. when buzzed the second time, make a cast with it so the skier can plainly see you. When you see them coming the third time, well -- I'll leave the rest to your imagination. Believe me, it works. If you are a little faint of heart, remove the hooks.

Watch yourself with this kind of stuff.

A couple years back we where in the lead at a large regional tournament. Similar incident, getting buzzed by grown-up "kids". Our day ended with a visit by the local authorities upon our return to the dock. We where told our actions constituted assault with attempt to maim and the decision to press charges was left up to the "kids".

Fortunately they didn't press charges but that will be the last time I retaliate via any method.

 

[Kracken]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

As of last year all New Hampshire boaters are required to have a Safe Boating Certificate approved by NASBLA. The legislature passed a 45MPH speed limit on the state's biggest lake and we have a safe passage law 150ft from all objects. There are 13 or so MPs on the lake at any given time and they enforce all boating laws. The blue lights are a flashin 24 hours a day.

In spite of their efforts there are still countless morons out there. Boater's licenses, fines and laws are not going to change Captain Boneheads into courteous boaters.

You can't fix stupid!

 

[pinecrestwoods]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

seems like no one honors "port to port" any more so rather than "win" at playing chicken I often go the wrong way.

Exactly. I find it crazy. Did they drive to the lake in the wrong lane?!?!?! I mean- what about this doesn't make sense? To get to the docks at my local lake, you must pass through a ~50 yard opening (probably less), and putt through a long no-wake area. I hate approaching that entrance, because almost every time, there is some moron on the wrong side.

And it doesn't matter what kind of vessel- I've seen Go-Fast do it, old tri-hulls, jet skis... "stupid" is everywhere.

 

[Chiliando]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

I think this is true every where now.

I boat in the Miami/upper keys area.

While I know the rules of the road- took the classes and was taught by a couple of veterans, I ALWAYS assume the other guy either does not know or does not care about those rules. This has served me well this, my first year as a boat owner.

Too many clowns with no regard for others. I know there are a lot of great and responsible boater out there, but fear they are in the minority.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

Well, I have to say, I think you are all living in the wrong area. I live in Nc and I have yet to see a single idiot boater on the waters here.

Oh, n/m, I haven't taken my boat out yet

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

And of course the adults had pictures to prove the incident actually happened? Here are just a couple of the boating rules for Wisconsin.

10. Operation of a PWC within 100 feet of another boat or PWC is only allowed if the following requirements are met:
? Operation does not exceed a slow-no-wake speed.
? Neither boat is involved in any type of water skiing or similar activity.
11. It is illegal to operate a PWC within 100' of the following:
? Another boat towing a skier or person engaged in similar activity.
? The tow rope of another motorboat towing a skier or person engaged in similar activity.
? A person involved in skiing or a similar activity.

Anybody (young, old, or in between) that just happens to get closer than 100 feet of me when I just happen to be casting doesn't have an arguement when it comes time to face the judge. And fishing is defined as "similar activity".

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

This is why I keep a snake gun and rubber snake aboard. Don't like water snakes...will protect myself and my craft...no law against that.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

This is why I keep a snake gun and rubber snake aboard. Don't like water snakes...will protect myself and my craft...no law against that.

Don't know what part of Texas you fish but most "parks/boat launches" around here have the "NO Firearms Allowed" signs posted (about the best maintained signs in the areas )

Dern, forgot the original post :redface:
I still find more courtious boaters/fisherman than the rude/idiots in the areas i fish
Belive me they are there but thankfully they are still the exception & not the rule

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Rules of the water ignored more and more

I had a simalar problem a couple of weeks ago by a boat with absolutly no consideration while trying to beach her, So I told my family that I will be right back, and chased them down and caught up to them pretty quick and hung back as I saw they were getting ready to beach themselves, so I waited for them to get close to shore and they noticed me sitting there watching them, as soon as they got closer I opened her up W.O.T and got about 25' behind them running along the shore and hit them with my wake, turned hit them again and then turn and did one more time till I created so much wake they could control their stearing and had a VEEERY difficult time themselves, I let off the throttle and sat behind them about 100ft. out and just sat their and watched them beating and banging around and they never said a word,just looking, I went back to my spot were I know they saw me the first time and just didn't care, well they past by about 2hrs. later and saw me beached and went wide around my spot and had consideration this time