Bassin and Beer

[Scruffy]

If you are a casual "hook and worm" fisherman i think that drinking has its place because there are so many devices that help you detect a strike, making concentration almost futile. But fishing methods that require attention, concentration and finesse should not be impaired because you need a beer....then again, i am only 18 so i don't do a lot of drinking anyway, but this is my opinion

[tnhiker44]

I drink like a fish. I just don't drink when I am fishing. Despite some number that states put on blood alcohol content for intoxication, you are influenced by a thimbles worth. Straight up, no matter how big of a fellow you are. I am not going to be influenced by anything while the lives of others are depending on my judgment and reflexes. That being said... lets obtain a designated driver and belly up to a bar... the drinks are on me.

[Poolie727]

No drinking for me while fishing, but only because I want to stay focused. A lot of times after we load the boat, we'll toss a couple dogs on a picnic area grill and have a couple cold ones then.

[CmacFL]

Fishing and drinking is the best! responsible drinking of course its fishing in nature..why not have a few beers? I don't use the big motor enough anyways..what am I going to to get a BUI using the trolling motor?? No. You guys make it sound like drinking a beer while fishing is the worst!!  Fishing is not driving a car...you are out to have fun!!! gimme a break..god forbid you miss a fish...OH WELL its fun!

[CmacFL]

LOL no beer while fishing...its the devil!!  you guys are crazy.  Bass fishing drinkin a beer is living.  Now catching a bass with a buzz and with Lynard Skynard playing on the boat CD player is even better!!!! whew

[Diablos]

LOL no beer while fishing...its the devil!! you guys are crazy. Bass fishing drinkin a beer is living. Now catching a bass with a buzz and with Lynard Skynard playing on the boat CD player is even better!!!! whew

Did you just respond to yourself? Awesome!! ;D

[Grey Wolf]

LOL no beer while fishing...its the devil!! you guys are crazy. Bass fishing drinkin a beer is living. Now catching a bass with a buzz and with Lynard Skynard playing on the boat CD player is even better!!!! whew

Did you just respond to yourself? Awesome!! ;D

It happens when your buzzed.

[retiredbosn]

don't use the big motor enough anyways..what am I going to to get a BUI using the trolling motor??

It is called a safety check.  The warden stops and checks your license etc, and bam BUI doesnt matter if you are using oars.

[alwayslooking]

i like to have a beer around 1 or 2 pm, it's hot, time for snack, and it helps me unconcentrate for a few minutes before i pick it back up, now, any touraments i fish don't allow beer in the boat at all, and i don't like to drink much the night before because it's too hard to get up.

[cyph3r]

in my opinion, if drinking may affect others on the water, then one shouldnt drink. i think its as simple as that. if you operate the boat dont drink, and if you are a passenger or shore fishing just dont drink to the point where your behavior may affect others.

[Jaric]

Like most things in life, the key is responsibility and moderation.

I personally prefer Mountain Dew or Gatoraid while fishing, but sometimes having a beer or two (at the most) with a buddy is fun too.

But if we do drink, it's usually spread over the course of several hours, and are always respectful of our surroundings.  I never drink and drive, and since most of the time I am driving away from where I am fishing, I never have more than 2 beers at any given time.

If I am operating a boat (that has an engine) I also do not drink.

Safety is always paramount, which means getting tanked and seeing just how fast the bass boat goes is probably not a good idea.  The whole reason we all go fishing is to have a good time.  Which you can't do if you're dead (or if you end up killing or hurting other people)

[Lynx]

LOL no beer while fishing...its the devil!! you guys are crazy. Bass fishing drinkin a beer is living. Now catching a bass with a buzz and with Lynard Skynard playing on the boat CD player is even better!!!! whew

Did you just respond to yourself? Awesome!! ;D

It happens when your buzzed.

Think maybe the buzz has taken over!

[Busy]

Not on a boat.  If we are on shore sure we will kick back a few beers.  Not where we could get into trouble.  Most lakes don't allow alcohol.  Hike around a ways and MAKE SURE YOU TAKE THE CANS/BOTTLES WITH YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE.  If you get drunk, you're camping not driving home .

We find its a good luck charm to have a can of beer open while fishing.  Doesn't matter how slow it's been, as soon as you pick up your beer to take a drink, WHAM!  It makes quite a sight.  You'll see me faking to grab my beer just to try and get a bite.  Sometimes I really think old Mr. Bass is watching .

[ABLE2DISABLE1]

I can not function with the ideal of a drunk being in the boat peeing every three minutes.Noise level goes up the natives hide with laughter.YOU have fluid in your body,you now how that makes you feel,SO what about the fluid AROUND YOU,it,s not a Bowl of water you could lift your head out of when you pass OUT.DROWNING is not PRETTY.You can keep your liquid diet to yourself.

[Lynx]

Not on a boat. If we are on shore sure we will kick back a few beers. Not where we could get into trouble. Most lakes don't allow alcohol. Hike around a ways and MAKE SURE YOU TAKE THE CANS/BOTTLES WITH YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE. If you get drunk, you're camping not driving home .

We find its a good luck charm to have a can of beer open while fishing. Doesn't matter how slow it's been, as soon as you pick up your beer to take a drink, WHAM! It makes quite a sight. You'll see me faking to grab my beer just to try and get a bite. Sometimes I really think old Mr. Bass is watching .

Come to Sacramento, California, Where it is not only illegal to drink on a boat in most lakes, but also in the rivers to. Personally I think that it is a great law, in which keeps alot of folks safe, safe from drowning, & safe from dumb#^*&'s who are to stupid to consider others on the water.

I am sorry, but the actions of others that I have seen on the water has made my decision about boats & drinking. (Personal experience with a drunk friend on my boat). They should get the same punishment as a drunk driver, these people hurt others to. It never ends in the summer where you come home from work, flip the television on to the news to see people dead, & drowned because of alcohol on the water.

Don't get me wrong, I love beer, always have & always will. But there is a time & place for it. The water & boats are not one, just like drinking & driving.

[CmacFL]

I'm all about responsibility.  The pitts I go to the speed limit is idle speed, no wake whatsoever for one.  And also there are no other boats number two.  I would not drink on a bass boat where going 30 mph and faster was an option and there were other boaters around on the lake.

[vatech]

Yes, especially while fishing frogs. Because of my delayed reaction time I find that it improves my hookup ratio! ;D

[tnhiker44]

Come to Sacramento, California, Where it is not only illegal to drink on a boat in most lakes, but also in the rivers to. Personally I think that it is a great law, in which keeps alot of folks safe

It is also illegal to operate your automobile in an unsafe way, yet, according to the census bureau, your state registered 10% of all the traffic fatalities in 2006. 10% of the entire U.S. traffic fatalities. It makes one think that if they ever do get to the water they do not need to worry about drunk boaters... but need to worry about getting back home.

The point is, making it illegal does not stop stuff from happening. There are gaggles of lawyers banking on it... emphasis on banking.

[Sfritr]

No drinkin in my boat.  Thats for the Dock when you pull in after a good day fishin.  Too many idiots to be impaired on the water......

[Lynx]

Come to Sacramento, California, Where it is not only illegal to drink on a boat in most lakes, but also in the rivers to. Personally I think that it is a great law, in which keeps alot of folks safe

It is also illegal to operate your automobile in an unsafe way, yet, according to the census bureau, your state registered 10% of all the traffic fatalities in 2006. 10% of the entire U.S. traffic fatalities. It makes one think that if they ever do get to the water they do not need to worry about drunk boaters... but need to worry about getting back home.

The point is, making it illegal does not stop stuff from happening. There are gaggles of lawyers banking on it... emphasis on banking.

2006: (Why? Its what year that was referenced to talk about)

Drunk Driving Fatality Statistics:

Texas 1,544 45%

California 1,509 36%

Florida 1,111 33%

Pennsylvania 556 37%

Illinois 540 43%

Georgia 539 32%

(% = deaths caused from DD in that state for the year 2006)

You can see more @ www.alcoholalert.com/drunk-driving-statistics.html

CARS: In which there are alot of dumb#^* people, I know about the fatality rate, more then you would: (In California, You to Georgia) My uncle was killed by a drink driver in the cone zone, after that my Aunt (His wife) became the head of DDA (Designated Drivers Association) & MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) chapters in California, (As where I do *DD for her 2 times a month) in which work closely with the CHP (California Highway Patrol). My point is yes the death rate here is high, but we are also the 3rd largest state in the U.S., with an estimated population of 36,756,666, which happens to be the largest out of all states in the U.S.

WATER: Happens to be more regularly patrolled then the local highways for some reason. In which I don't know why, but is. I am always seeing the Sacramento County Sheriff on the water patrolling, & pulling over boaters that are drinking. Basically they're tired of the deaths occurring on the water due to drinking, & in the last few years, have cracked down on them hard.

*DD: DDA will come to where you are at, when your under the influence, (Bar, Party, Club, Etc.) & drive you home in your car, while your partner (The DD) follows in there's. This is a NON-PROFIT Organization that is sponsored by the CHP. WE CHARGE NO MONEY FOR THIS SERVICE & IS FREE TO ALL, But Tips are welcome, after all we are using our gas to get you home safely.

!! IF YOUR EVER IN THE SACRAMENTO AREA & NEED THIS SERVICE !! (916) 335-5555 WWW.DDASAC.ORG

[DINK WHISPERER]

I think it is ridiculous that our lives and those of our families are endangered by selfish people like drunk drivers! Just because they want to go get wasted and than drive, innocent lives are lost every day! Than there are those who want to defend/justify drinking and driving(boat or car) like it is a necessity to consume alcohol! Just as much fun if not more can be had sober. I have a ZERO tolerance for alcohol when outside my home! I have lost fishing partners because i will not allow beer on my boat but i could care less. My cousin who was like my brother and an uncle of mine were killed by drunk drivers!

[tnhiker44]

Fishkiller83,

Firstly, I made no mention of drunk driver fatalities, sorry if I hit a sore spot with you. The census bureau says your fine state has 8% of the population and 10% of the traffic fatalities. I was in no way trying to defend boating or driving while drunk. Its just that you guys out there, as a whole, are worse drivers than pretty much the rest of us. I am nearly sure that you have at least the same rules, if not tougher, than us folks here in the east... and yet a higher percentage of you guys die in car crashes. Which was my point all along... making something illegal does not make it go away. People like to drink and some of them drive. It will never change. Same holds true for illegal drugs. If there is a demand there will be a supply.

Secondly, less than 25% of your traffic fatalities involve drunk drivers. That means that 75 out of a hundred are straight up sober when they die in a car crash. Drunk drivers are a problem... but it seems as if you guys have a driver problem.

Sorry to hear about your uncle.

[Bassin_Fin@tic]

I've scanned through this thread a little and I see some people mentioning things such as "not in a bass boat going fast ,but a little is okay otherwise", or comments to that effect. What, you think it is any safer in a little john boat or a canoe?!? When the wind gets beating and the waves are rolling? You like the idea of hundreds or even thousands of dollars of gear sitting at the bottom of the drink?

The bottom line is a little common sense goes a long way.

[Bankbeater]

Nothing but water in the boat.  If I do bring beer along I save it until I am done fishing for the day and back in the cabin.

[bassinri]

Even if it was legal, which in most states I dont think you can even have alcohol on board, I wouldn't drink, driving or passenger.