How do boat fishermen really feel about kayak anglers?

[junyer357]

8 hours ago, GReb said:

The only time I get annoyed with kayakers is up river when they are in the channel which is only about 15 yards wide. Come around the bend and they’re right in the middle of your lane

Same here. Its no big deal if a kayak gets off the channel and paddle in alot of the lakes i fish, especially weiss lake. They can go right over the stuff underwater there. I get out of the channel and im tearing off a foot or beaching my boat. Its worse with ski and tubers though. 

[Dens228]

I fish from a kayak......mostly in waters restricted to electric motors and human power.  

I fished the Fox chain here in Illinois one time last summer and it I must have just come across the few boaters that take exception to kayak fisherman.  

 

As I was getting ready to launch from the ramp there was only one other boater on the other ramp, he looked at my kayak, then told me I had no business kayak fishing there and should stay close to the ramp.

 

I fished this particular lake about 6 hours and during that time stayed relatively close to shore.  But I also had THREE different fishing boats see me, change direction, and speed past me fairly close to make sure they rocked me pretty good with their wake.  Now there were plenty that didn't but in my mind three a**es are three too many.

[Troy85]

Kayaks don't bother me, they have just as much of a right to be out there as anyone else.  I'd prefer to be surrounded by Kayacks than jet skis or wake boats that's for sure. I occasionally fish out of my dads Kayak, I do take more of the @A-Jay approach though, there are certain high traffic areas I personally stay away from, just because I don't trust the other guy behind the wheel.

 

[BassNJake]

Kayak anglers - no problem

Kayak pleasure boaters - mainly clueless- have often crossed directly where I am casting

Bass boat guys - Most are very respectful/thoughtful but the ones that are not are go from 0 to idiot in a hurry

 

Then look at it as if it were people in cars and the same would apply - Most are very respectful/thoughtful but the ones that are not are go from 0 to idiot in a hurry

 

When I was younger I wanted to beat some sense into the idiots, then I got older and wanted to talk some sense to them and now I just let them be idiots and am grateful I have learned better

[BigAngus752]

The only thing that aggravates me is stupid people (in or out of a kayak).  If you aren't one of them, then enjoy!  I only have two issues:

1.  I've only been a boater for two years.  I worry about hitting or swamping a kayaker that I don't see in time, but that just makes me more careful which is a good thing. 

2.  I run a Ranger aluminum that drafts very shallow and yet YOU can get into a million places that I cannot...so I'm jealous.  

 

P.S. Thanks for the info about the "throttling down".  I'll remember that it's better for you if I stay up on plane.  

[fishballer06]

Living in Pittsburgh, we have a large urban community, and outside of the 3 rivers downtown, and Lake Erie about 2.5 hours north of us, all of our lakes are limited horsepower lakes. Thus making prime water for kayakers to get out on safely without having to worry about big water that gets windy, or large, powerful boats with big wakes. 

 

A few of our local lakes are totally overrun with kayakers once Memorial Day hits. One lake in particular is a narrow, long lake (only about 100-200 yards wide in most parts). Groups of kayakers will go out in large floatilla's and string themselves out across the entire lake 20 yards apart and completely block the lake from any boat traffic. I'd say 90% of the time they aren't fishermen, they're just pleasure riders who are clueless to how ignorant they are being. In PA, you are responsible for your own wake, so if you blow past a kayakers and upset them and they get hurt or lose property, you can be responsible. 

 

Another thing that upsets me about the pleasure kayaker's is that they have no boat ramp common courtesy. Did you know that two kayaker's can take up an entire 4 boat wide ramp? They sure can, and they have no problem taking their sweet time and BS'ing with each other while multiple boats sit there patiently waiting. 

 

If you can't tell already, I'm not overly fond of the clueless kayaker's. In my experience, the majority of kayak fishermen know the rules of the water/ramp and are very courteous to boaters. So I have no problem with those guys at all, but man those pleasure kayaker's...

[TnRiver46]

I have boats and kayaks. I have accidentally almost hit a kayaker a time or twelve while driving a boat.  I have never even come close to getting hit or in an altercation when I was in my kayak. Some folks just don't understand how to fish and where to drive which boats. If someone in a bass boat tells a kayaker they don't  belong  on  an offshore ledge on the TN river, the bass boater isn't being mean . He is trying to save the kayakers life. We have double decker party yachts, paddle wheel dinner cruises, 20 something year olds running wake boats into the tops of living trees (that happened last year, I think a girl died) barges carrying massive loads and bass boats capable of 90 mph. If theres anyone's opinion that is worth it's weight in this thread, I'm siding with the retired coast guard man who fishes from a canoe as well as a 55 mph boat . I have the right to ride a bicycle on the interstate but that doesnt mean I should 

[TOXIC]

The chain of lakes I fish in Wisconsin are very heavy recreational lakes (26 lakes in the chain).  I get to fish around Yaks (both pleasure and fishing) paddle boards, paddle boats, ski boats, canoes, jet ski's, pontoons (fishing, tubing, cocktail cruising), wakeboard boats, speedboats, rowboats, sailboats, every size fishing boat from small jons to 22ft bassboats and even the big swan peddleboats.  There are fools in every style I mentioned.  It's wasted energy getting upset or mad.  I have a couple of outs.  Sking on these lakes is limited to certain times of the day and there are certain lakes that are no-wake.  I fish the ski lakes during the no sking hours, then move to the no-wake lakes.  Live and let live.  Now when we are in Michigan, there are yak tournaments that will put 15-20 yaks out in a specific area for example Metro Beach.  If the smallies are up shallow, you have all sorts of boats sharing the water and tempers get short.  Last season we even had kite skiers in the same area.  I'm in no way dissing the yak fishermen but I will admit, it was funny that if we would hook into a fish, the yaks with their knees pumping, would make a b-line to within about 20 feet of us and start fishing.  We chalk it up to "tournament fever".  The only time I've seen it get testy is when the big cabin cruisers come trolling through for musky or walleye and even if we are sitting power poles down, they only alter course enough not to hit you and will motor right through where you are fishing.   

[Logan S]

I feel like some of them have a death-wish based on where I've seen them and the fact they had no lights/flags and their color choice for both yak and clothing might as well have been camouflage.  If you're going to put yourself in an area where motorized vessels will be running for the love of all that's good make yourself visible.  EXTREMELY visible.

 

I have a few other pet-peeves about yakkers, some are fair and maybe some others aren't so fair (just being honest)...But THIS particular issue bothers me the most.  

[fishwizzard]

11 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

. It's usually not a problem, it's the clueless pleasure kayakers that will paddle between me and the bank if I was 2 rod lengths off the bank. I sometimes wonder if some of them aren't anti-fishing and that's why they do it.

I think most peoples' concept/experence of fishing is dropping a hook and bobber straight down or casting it like 5' off the end of the dock, so it does not occur to them that a someone in a boat fishing "takes up" more space then just the footprint of the boat.  

 

None of the places I regularity yak fish for bass allow gas motors so bass boats are just huge kayaks to me.  On tidal rivers with a lot of boat traffic I just assume that every power boat launched that day to specifically run me over and plan my fishing according.  

[J Francho]

I don't care what they think, whether I'm in my 22' bass boat, a tin can rental, canoe, or kayak.  My capabilities or whether they think what I'm doing is within my rights or risky is my business.  Do something reckless around me, I'll get your registration numbers, and call them in.  There is a very heavy presence on my waters by the sheriff, Coast Guard, and ICE.  They minutes away from most waters I fish.  It's as simple as that.  Pull what @BassNJake calls 0 to idiot, and your day will not end well.

[Catt]

In our local waters alligators in excess of 10' are quite common which has a way of deterring kayakers. Local rivers & bayous are better suited for kayaks.

 

On Toledo Bend you'll see back in creek channel coves & around main lake shorelines. Never seen one out on the main lake but ya gotta keep in mind this lake will give @A-Jay Lund a work out!

 

Where kayaks have really caught on is in our inland salt/brackish waters. Many guides offer to take kayak anglers out to designated islands, drop em off, & return later to pick em up.

 

One recurring theme I noticed in this thread is not being able to see kayakers while posting on a previous thread about the importance of blending in!

 

[MickD]

There must be something wrong with me.  I never thought about it before.  :-)

 

"it" being kayak fishermen.

[TnRiver46]

41 minutes ago, J Francho said:

I don't care what they think, whether I'm in my 22' bass boat, a tin can rental, canoe, or kayak.  My capabilities or whether they think what I'm doing is within my rights or risky is my business.  Do something reckless around me, I'll get your registration numbers, and call them in.  There is a very heavy presence on my waters by the sheriff, Coast Guard, and ICE.  They minutes away from most waters I fish.  It's as simple as that.  Pull what @BassNJake calls 0 to idiot, and your day will not end well.

An encounter with the sheriff is a very good ending compared to what happens about 20 times a year on my local water. 

[J Francho]

16 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

An encounter with the sheriff is a very good ending compared to what happens about 20 times a year on my local water. 

Well, that's really the point, isn't it.

[redmeansdistortion]

14 hours ago, Russ E said:

i own a fishing Kayak and a Bass Boat. I have no issues with Kayak fishermen.

I do have a problem with some pleasure Kayakers. 

A couple of the local lakes are very popular with the kayak crowd.

They tend to cruise around the lakes close to shore.

I have had multiple times, that i would be fishing a shoreline and a couple of them would cut between me and the shore.

I usually just let them go by, but some of them are rude. Those individuals have had baits land close to their boat.

The worst ones are drunk kayakers.  They infiltrate my favorite steelhead streams when spring rolls around.  Last spring I was fishing one of my favorite holes wading about 10yd from the bank and a group came through.  One of them shouted 'get the ____ out of the water or you're gonna get hit' and proceeded to throw a full beer at me.  They passed about 20yd out front of me and had more than enough room to get by.  I was even courteous enough to get my line off of the water when I heard them coming.

[Paul Roberts]

Oo-boy. Bad time of year to open up a potential issue. Just look at A-Jay's ice-out countdown thread.  Luckily we know there's a happy ending, light at the end of that dark tunnel.

 

Boaters? Gee, I'm assuming they'd really like me!

 

More seriously, my yak is small, and the majority of my waters are too small for motors. So, again, I think they'd like me. But, for larger waters I have maintained some of my yak's lime green color, and have a flag I can raise, and wave, and... frantically wave... And flares -which can be directed straight up, or... straight at the incoming dunderhead... I mean... potential friend.

[MN Fisher]

This also applies to canoe anglers (like me). Can't tell you how many times I was almost swamped by an idiot power boater - fishermen as well as day-cruisers - last year even though I only got out a few times. One of the reasons I put outriggers on my canoe this winter.

 

How hard is it to obey the laws - 40 mph max speed on Minnetonka - or to actually LOOK for something that you might cause issues for?

 

It's these reasons why I try to keep to smaller lakes/bays. Especially one lake where the max motor allowed is 10HP - designated trout lake. With the morons in their overpowered boats zooming along without a care, it's dangerous to go into the main bays of Minnetonka - even if you're wearing a high-visibility PFD, they're not looking.

[Mobasser]

43 minutes ago, redmeansdistortion said:

The worst ones are drunk kayakers.  They infiltrate my favorite steelhead streams when spring rolls around.  Last spring I was fishing one of my favorite holes wading about 10yd from the bank and a group came through.  One of them shouted 'get the ____ out of the water or you're gonna get hit' and proceeded to throw a full beer at me.  They passed about 20yd out front of me and had more than enough room to get by.  I was even courteous enough to get my line off of the water when I heard them coming.

Drunks got no place fishing near me. Whatever boat you choose, use common sense and obey all the rules. If your in a kayak or canoe, stay out of main lake areas! You'll get blown away! Stay back in the coves and quiet areas. You'll still catch plenty of fish.If some guy is drunk, and not following the rules, he deserves to get the law called on him. He's ruining things for serious fisherman

[redmeansdistortion]

3 minutes ago, Mobasser said:

Drunks got no place fishing near me. Whatever boat you choose, use common sense and obey all the rules. If your in a kayak or canoe, stay out of main lake areas! You'll get blown away! Stay back in the coves and quiet areas. You'll still catch plenty of fish.If some guy is drunk, and not following the rules, he deserves to get the law called on him. He's ruining things for serious fisherman

What happened to me isn't a common occurrence where I fish.  The vast majority of the time, I get a wave, a nod, and the age old question, "Ya catching anything?" lol

[OkobojiEagle]

3 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

I have the right to ride a bicycle on the interstate but that doesnt mean I should 

actually... unless you can ride that bike of yours at least 45 mph, you don't have a right to ride on an interstate.

 

To those of you disturbed by pleasure boats (kayaks included) crossing between you and your shoreline target;  try positioning your boat in their path and cast parallel to the shoreline.  This usually forces the other boat to move around you in deeper water and is often a better casting angle for you anyway.

 

oe

[WRB]

Kayak is a boat!

The question should be how do power boaters with bass boats feel about kayaker's?

I believe the op got his answer as some members have both types of boats.

The issue to me about boating safety and that has to do with the operators. A kayak in high speed boating zones isn't safe or is running at speed safe anytime you can't see well or in no wake zones. 

It's hard to see into the sun and nearly impossible to see very low profile boats like kayaks where you don't expect them to be, but it's up to the power boater to yield right of way to none powered boats under sail or oars/paddles.

I often fish out in mid lake areas and it gets dangerous at times so I aviod doing it under traffic conditions. 

Expecting boaters to be courteous and use common sense is getting to be a rare occurrence where I fish.

Tom

[TnRiver46]

There's a lot of days on chickamauga guntersville wheeler  Wilson Pickwick and Kentucky lake where it's not safe to drive my 18 ft center console. The moral of the story is use good judgement. Don't fish where you might die . I've had a friend/coworker drown while kayaking and I have lots of buddies that work for the state and they don't enjoy having to tell your mother what happened. That is after they spent a week or more trying to find your carcass 

[A-Jay]

14 minutes ago, WRB said:

Kayak is a boat!

The question should be how do power boaters with bass boats feel about kayaker's?

I believe the op got his answer as some members have both types of boats.

The issue to me about boating safety and that has to do with the operators. A kayak in high speed boating zones isn't safe or is running at speed safe anytime you can't see well or in no wake zones. 

It's hard to see into the sun and nearly impossible to see very low profile bosts like kayaks where you don't expect them to be, but it's up to the power boater to yield right of way to none powered boats under sail or oars/paddles.

I often fish out in mid lake areas and it gets dangerous at times so I aviod doing it under traffic conditions. 

Expecting boaters to be courteous and use common sense is getting to be a rare occurrence where I fish.

Tom

I have actually approached many a manually powered vessel in places where power driven vessels are routinely on plane at speeds in excess of 75 ft per second (just over 51 mph), to politely notify them that due to the low light or low sun, combined with the sea state & the color of their clothing and craft - they are virtually INVISIBLE.  Some thank me. Some don't seem to care. And few - well we'll skip those. 

A-Jay

[Paul Roberts]

1 hour ago, MN Fisher said:

...morons in their overpowered boats zooming along without a care...

I remember when the Great Lakes salmonid fisheries exploded onto the scene. Suddenly everyone had to have a boat. And, there's something about wide open spaces, and speed, that... can make morons out of just about any of us.

 

I remember the stories; Some tragic, some funny. One day I walked out onto a small pier to do some fishing, and their was a 21ft Sea Ray perched on top of the pier. I chuckled about it, until I found out someone's wife and brother-in-law had died there.