On the water conflicts.

[Ski]

The Bass club I am in had a two day event last weekend on the Harris Chain in Fl. So my partner and I arrived the Thursday before to prefish on Thursday and Friday with the Tourney on Sat and Sun. In this event I was to be the co-angler or "backseater".  Early Friday morning while going through the Lake Dora canal which is approx 1 mile long and no wake zone we approached another smaller aluminum bass boat with a 90 hp motor. I was riding in a 21 Ranger with a 250 hp so @ idle or slightly above the gap closed and we maintained a safe 25 foot or so distance between us using neutral.  As we approached the opening, the operator of the smaller craft turned to us with a scowl and shouted "Are you in a (vulgar) hurry? we did not respond then he yelled get off my (vulgar) keep in mind we were 20 feet behind @ idle.  As we hit the opening he throttled down and flipped us a hand signal.

On Friday evening returning through that same canal  we approached a pontoon boat head to head  which again we were yelled @ to "move over" and again were given a hand signal. In this case there was only 4 feet  between us and a seawall so moving over was not possible however the pontoon boat was clearly in the middle of the canal and made no effort to move over a little.

On Saturday while returning through that canal there was a flotilla of boaters going through the canal and we approached another pontoon boat that decided to attempted to turn around in the canal and failed miserably as he bounced off several trees the bottom and seawall. When he did finally manage to get turned around we made a safe pass on his port side as no other boats were approaching, while doing so we once again were yelled @ to not pass him as this is a no-wake zone! by the operator of the pontoon who was dressed as Blackbeard the pirate complete with eye patch, bandanna, hoop ear ring, puffy sleeve shirt and all the get up. Keep in mind this is the weekend after the Elites were there and Scott Martin had a gun pulled on him in another canal by a fella in a canoe who was upset that Scott approached him to fast. In that instance, that canal, is full speed area and the fella was tucked inside the canopy of the treeline, in a curve, and Martin had no way of seeing him but when he did, out of courtesy and safety came off the throttle and @ that point the firearm was drawn, waved around and pointed @ him and his camera man. Fortunately Martin wears a "Go-pro" camera and the event was recorded and turned over the the Sheriffs dept as charges are pending investigation. Very sketchy, triggered, offended people that weekend.

 

 

[TOXIC]

There’s no shortage of conflicts on the water and as the recreational boating season kicks off up here in the northern states, I’m sure there will be a lot more posts.  Sorry you had to endure the rudeness and ignorance of some boaters. 

[Glenn]

 

[MN Fisher]

@Glenn - these incidents seem to be getting more prevalent....too bad we're not more like the Japanese (yes, I watched your vid) and try to be polite all the time.

[bowhunter63]

Times are changing and not for the better 

[Glenn]

It's well-known that for years, the Chinese, Russians, and North Koreans have been creating billions of malicious fake social media profiles designed to divide Americans.  They do this by posting polls about hot/sensitive topics designed to stir the pot, creating extremist profiles with extremist views, creating profiles that propagate conspiracy theories, and create profiles that paint an overall picture that Americans are polarized on every political and social topic. 

 

They make the "either you're with me or against me" way of thinking seem normal (i.e., "either you are Republican or Democrat", when in reality, the majority of Americans are in the middle and vote both ways).  Most of all, they spread the notion that being angry, rude, uncaring, and selfish is okay and "the norm", especially towards people with different viewpoints than yours (having different viewpoints is the very foundation of this country).

 

All of this is designed to implode America by pitting neighbor against neighbor.  And the scary thing is...

 

It's working.

 

Most of us are following profiles or have "friends" on social media that we've never met.  At least a few of them, if not more than half of them, are fake profiles run by foreign countries.

 

In 2019, Facebook deleted over 2 BILLION of these fake profiles in just one quarter, and they delete over a million fake accounts every quarter on average.  And that's just what they can find...and that's JUST Facebook. Nevermind TikTok and Instagram!

 

It's safe to assume the majority of posts you see on social media are from these fake accounts. 

 

So if you see something on social media that just chaps your hide, BINGO!  You found one.  Report and block it immediately.

 

Better yet, just stop using social media altogether.  We have phones, texts, emails and fishing for keeping in touch with another.  We really don't NEED social media.

 

btw, now you know some of the reasons why political and religious topics aren't allowed here.  But you probably don't know the mods and I vet every new member that joins here, not only to block fake profiles, but to block spammers as well.

 

Ok, rant over.

 

[bowhunter63]

So true I help admen a bass group on Facebook and block delete about 30 a day. Full time job 

[Woody B]

@Glenn is correct certain powers have been using the "us vs them" thing to keep us turned against each other for a while now.   Some people (from all sides of the debates) are just looking for a fight.   I try hard not to take their bait.  If someone gives me the finger I just laugh at them and wave.  I rarely have a problem on the lake.  I see road rage pretty much every day going to or coming home from work.  I decided a while back that I'm not playing their came.   

 

But speaking of road rage.  I think some people think that if they ride within a couple inches of my rear bumper the car in front of me will speed up.  I would never brake check anyone, but it's fun to tap my brakes just enough to make my brake lights come on.   

[gim]

35 minutes ago, Woody B said:

I think some people think that if they ride within a couple inches of my rear bumper the car in front of me will speed up.

I can’t stand tailgaters on the road. It’s like they’re in a race and any delay is causing a life altering problem.

 

The amount of people speeding on the road is completely out of hand too. I normally drive about 5 over the speed limit on the highway but people pass me on both sides with ease.

 

As far as specific problems with other watercraft on the water, I haven’t experienced an issue in years now. I generally avoid days when conditions are more likely to have more recreational boats though.

[MN Fisher]

35 minutes ago, gimruis said:

I generally avoid days when conditions are more likely to have more recreational boats though.

Main reason you won't find me on Tonka on the weekends or holidays.

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, Woody B said:

 

But speaking of road rage.  I think some people think that if they ride within a couple inches of my rear bumper the car in front of me will speed up.  I would never brake check anyone, but it's fun to tap my brakes just enough to make my brake lights come on.   

 

Not if they are playing with their phone.

I hate bumper huggers and will always slow down, pull over, and just let them speed on by.  Sometimes I even wave.  Best place for those folks is in front of me.  Then I HAVE ALL THE POWER. 

Especially when towing the boat.

A-Jay

[GreenPig]

I like fishing, my wife, and my dog way too much to allow anybody anger me with words or gestures. It's zero fun putting folks in the ICU, you always regret it, even if you had no choice. 

[MediumMouthBass]

Go to Salmon River Pulaski NY during the salmon run in the fall, talk about conflict. Theres a reason its called combat fishing up there.

In boat/kayak or bank fishing you might witness or be apart of a conflict once or a few times but you spend an hour up there when its at full capacity, and its fist fights, people pulling weapons, throwing rocks, among many other things. They have alot of undercover DEC agents up there for more than just ticketing the guys snagging.

 

It seems like in the past decade or two the worst in people has come out in big numbers, barely anyone has compassion or patience anymore along with empathy or understanding. You can blame my generation for most of that but its like a virus spreading.

[OHBuckets]

20 minutes ago, MediumMouthBass said:

Go to Salmon River Pulaski NY during the salmon run in the fall, talk about conflict. Theres a reason its called combat fishing up there.

In boat/kayak or bank fishing you might witness or be apart of a conflict once or a few times but you spend an hour up there when its at full capacity, and its fist fights, people pulling weapons, throwing rocks, among many other things. They have alot of undercover DEC agents up there for more than just ticketing the guys snagging.

 

It seems like in the past decade or two the worst in people has come out in big numbers, barely anyone has compassion or patience anymore along with empathy or understanding. You can blame my generation for most of that but its like a virus spreading.

You ain't joking. I've seen t-shirts being sold that say 'I survived the fishing at...'

 

I go to the NY river mouths a few times a year, to relax and throw in for whatever (usually catch salmon, smallies and pike). After the first time, I never again went into the rivers or near the dams, because during the run the mouths are peaceful and near deserted (which is funny because I always catch stragglers). I had two gentleman from PA show up quite shaken from their first experience in the river. Apparently a local dude absolutely lost it at several 'visitors' who were snagging, taking undersize, name it. He went through cutting lines and when they were coming for him, he pulled a gun then took off. Then I guess agents showed up but ultimately didn't do anything because the visitors had no identification.

 

The PA gents fished with me for a bit, but just left town - I guess a couple days early. I just do my thing - ain't hard to a) be courteous and b) spot and anticipate bad apples and move on. If a fishing 'octagon' is forming, I'm heading to the diner

[ATA]

Man that Canal be like:

 

[VolFan]

I had a guy that launched right in front of me when I was about to leave this morning. Right side (his right when launching) ramp was wide open but he skipped it and went to the one on his left (my right as I’m pulling the boat up to the dock to pull out). I was annoyed but whatever. I tie off to the end of the dock as his wife walks the boat off and ties off. He goes and parks his trailer RIGHT NEXT TO MINE. He leaves both truck doors open on my side and as I walk up he’s futzing around, doesn’t look like he’s doing much. He’s get up to my 4Runner and he’s working on a diaper change for a young toddler while about a 4 yr old is giving him the business for her sister’s behavior and a few other normal 4 yr old complaints (snacks, Bluey, she couldn’t wear her princess costume, etc.).  He looks at me and goes “I’m sorry, trying to get everyone ready” and I just laughed and told him to take all the time he needed, he had his hands full. I didn’t tell him he’d miss this, but he will. 
 

point is, give people some grace, some of them have a lot going on.

 

 Not the tailgaters. Those guys suck.

[Susky River Rat]

That’s just insanely  ignorant that someone would do that. I’ve got into it with some kayakers on lakes. Anymore I just shake my head and be on my way. No need to argue. Not worth it I’ll go catch the fish they are ticked they aren’t catching. 
 

living in PA and fishing the river I just assume everyone I meet has a gun on them. I think most others do too and that’s why there are few arguments on the river. 

[Troy85]

18 hours ago, VolFan said:

I had a guy that launched right in front of me when I was about to leave this morning. Right side (his right when launching) ramp was wide open but he skipped it and went to the one on his left (my right as I’m pulling the boat up to the dock to pull out). I was annoyed but whatever. I tie off to the end of the dock as his wife walks the boat off and ties off. He goes and parks his trailer RIGHT NEXT TO MINE. He leaves both truck doors open on my side and as I walk up he’s futzing around, doesn’t look like he’s doing much. He’s get up to my 4Runner and he’s working on a diaper change for a young toddler while about a 4 yr old is giving him the business for her sister’s behavior and a few other normal 4 yr old complaints (snacks, Bluey, she couldn’t wear her princess costume, etc.).  He looks at me and goes “I’m sorry, trying to get everyone ready” and I just laughed and told him to take all the time he needed, he had his hands full. I didn’t tell him he’d miss this, but he will. 
 

point is, give people some grace, some of them have a lot going on.

 

 Not the tailgaters. Those guys suck.

Haha! Reminds me of my launching experiences when I bring my 3yo and 6yo.  Just yesterday I start backing the trailer up to the ramp to pickup the boat.  The 3yo jumps out of the boat and runs and stands directly in the middle of the ramp and starts giving me backup hand signals.  , I appreciate the effort and enthusiasm, but your standing smack in the middle of the ramp and preventing me from backing in.

[Big Rick]

On 4/27/2024 at 3:05 PM, A-Jay said:

Then I HAVE ALL THE POWER. 

With that 6.2 and 10 speed tranny you ALWAYS have ALL the power.....

 

just saying. 

[Choporoz]

On 4/27/2024 at 2:39 PM, gimruis said:

I can’t stand tailgaters on the road. It’s like they’re in a race and any delay is causing a life altering problem.

I don't like tailgaters, but I have never been rear ended by one.  I have been rear ended twice by people who had been safe distance back but looking down, presumably at phones and didn't break in time.  Tailgaters are maddening,  but I would guess they are probably some of the most attentive drivers around you.

On 4/27/2024 at 2:39 PM, gimruis said:

The amount of people speeding on the road is completely out of hand too. I normally drive about 5 over the speed limit on the highway but people pass me on both sides with ease.

I think, then, that you are more wrong than them. You should probably be in the right lane.   Slow drivers in the middle lane are more dangerous than the evil slow drivers in the left lane. 

   I was stopped for speeding a few months ago.  Got a warning, but as he walked away, the trooper said "Keep it down... eight to ten over".  Rather surprised me. 

[gim]

16 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

I think, then, that you are more wrong than them. You should probably be in the right lane.   Slow drivers in the middle lane are more dangerous than the evil slow drivers in the left lane. 

It’s illegal to drive in the far left lane while people are trying to pass here. It’s actually a law on the books. That’s the only lane I cannot be in if traffic is trying to pass.

 

No chance I’m going 80 with my boat behind me. That’s borderline suicidal.

[Susky River Rat]

9 hours ago, gimruis said:

No chance I’m going 80 with my boat behind me. That’s borderline suicidal

It’s amazing how when you back it down a little mph wise how much MPG you can start to save. Most highways here are 65 I’ll run 62 towing I’ll gain 2-3 mpg. Less wear and tear on the truck and a couple more pennys saved is a win win. It won’t afford me a new house but, I’ll be able to get a soda on the way home 😂😂

[Functional]

On 4/29/2024 at 8:19 PM, gimruis said:

It’s illegal to drive in the far left lane while people are trying to pass here. It’s actually a law on the books. That’s the only lane I cannot be in if traffic is trying to pass.

 

No chance I’m going 80 with my boat behind me. That’s borderline suicidal.

thats how it was when I lived in NY. If you werent hauling in the left lane you risked death.

 

However after moving south where @Choporoz is I've learned their safe driving classes teach the left lane is the safest lane to be in when driving. Its obnoxious how many people ride the left lane just having a sunday drive. I sometimes miss the aggressive driving in NY....they at least knew how to drive aggressively correctly. 

[whitwolf]

Starting on the 18th of this month if I fish it will be on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. If I fish the weekend it will be at night. 

 

The amount of disrespectful people during peak hours is mind-boggling.  My wife and I spent our anniversary weekend lake front. My head was on a swivel the entire time we were out there. 

[scaleface]

I had a nasty note left on my windshield yesterday by an angler complaining about my parking. I didnt have a trailer and was parked in the picnic area, in a designated parking spot. I dont know. I guess because I was fishing he wanted me to park with the vehicles towing boats. sheesh.   I'll park there from now on just because I dont want my truck vandalized