BigBendFishing.Net

Went to Econfina Saturday and had a great day with the trusty Mirolure, but you could tell the fair weather anglers were out. Had three boats run across our drift so close I could see what jigs they had under the CT's. One boat ran across our drift and then set a drift so close I could hit him with the Mirolure if it weren't upwind. I go out of my way not to interfere with other anglers drifts and space, but was wondering how close too close is for you guys. Maybe I am too anal about it?

Also several folks were VERY slow loading up boats at the ramp. Maybe I shouldn't get worked up, but geeez its frustrating when the noseeums are tearing you up.

Really was a very good day though. Ten keepers by 1pm with 4 over 20 inches. Came home to catfish and brim fish fry. Don't get much better than that.

Its hard to avoid folks if they are bunched up in a wad. I experienced the same Friday. Had one guy cut across my drift then circle around to the other side of me close enough to hear them talk. This is why I don't carry a pistol I always try to be a courteous as possible to my fellow anglers. If you fish long enough it will happen, I remember trolling jigs in lake Talquin and having to retie four rods cause some guy tried to read our inspection tag I have a new rule though at Icky, if 20 boats are to the left and four to the right, I will chose the latter or go where no lower unit has gone before . Grin 'n bear it, unless you are a pretty big fella

You said it. Fair weather anglers. Folks who go out 4 times a year. And you are right, it isn't worth it to get upset. Its like most things, they just haven't had the experiences to learn and/or no one has ever told them different.

The folks to get upset about are the folks who know better and do it anyway. I have never gone to a spot and said well since I'm hear I'll fish it too. I go out of my way to find other places if I can, with the exception of artificial reefs. Its the guys who say dammit I'm paying for this really nice boat and bait and ice and have 6 of my buddy's on our twice a year trip and I'll fish wherever and however I want and I'll take my sweet time at the ramp too. They get my goat.

Chalk, You're right about the wad of boats. Must have been 20 or more boats between 1st and 2nd birdracks Saturday. We headed to the West of the first rack where there were a lot less boats and good amount of fish. How many times have you had a buddy say "there's a bunch of boats over there, they must be catchin em" ? Hell said it my self a time or two. Never had it pan out. Patience really will be a necessary virtue as scallop season approaches. You talk about a cluster.

That's nothing we acutally had a boat anchor up on our buoy marker Saturday. It was like nothing I've ever seen. When I say anchor up I mean a foot from our buoy.

Water Idiot = Captain of the Lady D

I can understand a man only launching his boat 4 or 5 times a year being slow at the ramp, it's the idiots who wait til they back down the ramp before they pull thier straps and load thier gear in the boat. They take 15 minutes preparing to launch after they back down the ramp.
I learned a long time ago that you can't shoot everybody who pees you off on the water. Couldn't afford that much ammo!

CSMarine

If everyone but me stayed off the water it wouldn't be a problem.

No TC your a contributing factor. You should stay off the water.

I don't worry bout none of ya'll. Cause ya'll don't fish much on South around the bend to Keaton. Now that I think about it, ya'll stay over at the rivers. Ya'll catch too many fish, I don't need the competetion. I need Trout meat.

I'm just glad to know that I'm not the only one that gets bent out of shape about this stuff. My wife never understands why it frustrates me so bad, but she doesn't go with me but every now and then. When you see it over and over again, it starts to get to you.

I read every post, like a breath of fresh air, knowing I'm not alone in my feelings..as you all see, I live in Ft Walton Beach, here in the summer its, almost combat, I am in a postion to fish on weekdays, and do so..when I go to another place, I treat it and the folks who fish it, with the same respect I want...also, for some who don't know, ramps are to lauch and retreive boats, meetings should be else where..thanks for the ear, I really enjoy the reading...
Don