Cold Day on the Aucilla 1-17-09

[GatorBaiter]

Waited till about 11:00 to let it warm up at least a little but it was still straight out cold when we headed for the Aucilla. Managed to talk the wife into coming (still not sure how) and we headed down to the river. There were not more than 5-6 trucks at the ramp and it looked like the river would be all ours . Decided to head upstream and went about 1/2 - 3/4 mile working with a red specked GULP to no avail. We finally gave up, found a nice spot and threw out some live shrimp hoping for some sheepshead (probably about 2:00) and boy did we find them. Every cast for about an hour brought in a Sheepy...each and every one measuring about 10"-11 1/2" not a keeper in the bunch. As we sat there enjoying our day and rare time together what should I see approaching but another boat. Beat up 12' ft skiff comes up the river on idle headed straight towards us with 2 "gentlemen" onboard. I am captivated by the way the entire river is open but they head straight at us...I become a little concerned when they get within 10 yards...what could they want? Much to my amazement...surprise...anger...shock (U choose - all apply) they proceed to drop anchor and throw out lines, actually crossing the one line I have out! To make it really clear...there was not another boat in sight for 1/2 mile up and down stream - no one. What is the standard protocol in this event? I tell the gentlemen in question that we were here first and would they be kind enough to give us a little space (perhaps not in exactly those words) and they studiously ignore me. It is at this point that I am honestly glad I did not have one of Tom's spear guns on board. Needless to say we pulled up and went further upriver...caught 3 undersize reds on the GULP as the tide started to come back in (including the wife's first) and called it a day. No pics...but not to worry...I haven't and won't forget their faces OR boat!

[birddog]

I generally crank up and do doughnuts round and round their boat till they're good and pissed off. Then I tell'em my name is TinCan and I'll be waiting at the ramp for them.

[4C's]

Throw across thier anchor line... and while clearing the mess "accidentally " cut the main line... apologize (repeatedly) and then move on and continue fishing.

[big bend gyrene]

...do doughnuts round and round their boat till they're good and pissed off. Then I tell'em my name is TinCan and I'll be waiting at the ramp for them.

GOOD ONE, Birddog!

[Redphisher]

If you're new to fishing in these parts you'll have to get used to that. This ( in my opinion) is hands down the worse place I've ever seen when it comes to inconsiderate boating. My favorite is when you're drifting /fishing a flat and some idiot runs across your bow WOT about 20 yards in front you.

[Eerman]

What is the standard protocol in this event?

Poop in a bag with Jumptrout's address on the bottom. Light it on fire and sling it over...drive on in a somewhat brisk manner. If it burns up the address, no biggie, point still gets across. On the downside, your wife may not want to go fishing anytime soon.

At least you caught a few fish

[lordsfisher]

Man, that is tacky about the other boat! I can't say what I would've done prior to becoming a Christian. I guess now I'd advise asking them if they have a personal relationship with Jesus and where they'll spend eternity. If you keep talking about it, there will be a positive result either way. Glad you and your wife had some quality time and you got to pound some sheephead.

[RHTFISH]

Man, if they're that close just break out a spoon and start playing "how close can I come."

Of course....keep smiling and laughing!

[What a mess]

A sling shot 2 oz egg sinker in the gel coat works if it is a nice boat a P O S it might not work.

The downside is if the lead they have moves faster than the stuff you have.

I love the doughnuts and tell them your The Can Man.

[shnstone]

If you're new to fishing in these parts you'll have to get used to that. This ( in my opinion) is hands down the worse place I've ever seen when it comes to inconsiderate boating. My favorite is when you're drifting /fishing a flat and some idiot runs across your bow WOT about 20 yards in front you.

I here ya thats my favorite move too,but what do you do ? Feel like running them down and doing the doenut thing but I know my luck. I try to respect other peoples space, thought that was just one of those "you ort ta no bettern dat " rules. On the other hand I have been invited or waved over to join folks thats lucked up and found a good spot,and that to me is just great sportsmanship that seems to go lacking here lately ...just my thoughts.

[lordsfisher]

Those are all really good strategies! I pulled deep from my fishing repertoire to come up with this non-violent solution. Once I was wade fishing near the bank in the Keys near a van's camping area. Apparently, I was invading the guy's fishing area and he walked out totally naked and said "hello". And he just stood there and watched me fish. I was feeling super uncomfortable and decided that scene wasn't for me and moved on.

[procraftwes]

drive up really close while "leaving" and trim up almost out of the water aim and fire. If you miss go around for another try.

[Barhopr]

yep doughnuts work

[cool breeze]

Large bottle rockets with report work well in that situation too. I'm a native Taylor Countian that grew up on the Aucilla River. I know most of you Georgia Crackers are good and decent folks who are considerate of other fishermen, but there are many who have garnered a well deserved reputation among us locals for doing just what has been described here. To be fair, these days it could be anyone. I think poor fishing etiquette is merely an extension of societies systemic selfish "Me" syndrome. In my younger days, bad things would happen to those who horned in on my personal space (can't say too much, don't want to incriminate myself). Today, thanks to God's grace, most of the time I'm able to refrain from being vengeful. Stupid people and their stupid behavior are not worth losing one's peace over.

God bless,

Breeze <><

[RHTFISH]

Reminds me of a line from Man on Fire movie....."forgiveness is between them and God...my job is to arrange the meeting."