Casting Near Boats and Docks

MikeF-NH · 07-23-2014, 01:42 PM

I see both sides to this story:
1.) as a bass fisherman, I firmly believe that all water on the lake is open for public use including water under a dock/boat. If a home owner were nasty to me I might be tempted to remind them of that and that the law protects my right to fish that water if that person chooses to call a Conservation Officer. BUT BUT BUT
2.) as a person that likes to enjoy my time on the water, I think it is my responsibility to respect other people enjoying the water. As such, if there is anyone around the dock (on it or in the water), I cruise on by with a friendly wave and "hi how's it going?" and ask others in my boat to not cast until we pass the area.

I like to think I extend common courtesy and expect it back. If I get unsolicited grief from a shore front owner because I dared casting to his dock when he was looking out the kitchen window (and my sons are not on board), I don't mind returning the favor.

Also, if I or someone in my boat accidentally hooks a dock or line, I ALWAYS remove the hook. I never cast (or allow my guest to cast) toward a boat that has a cloth cover or other upholstery that may be damaged by hooking.

Again, this is a courtesy issue (from both sides). I only get involved with these discussions when people suggest that they have a right to push people away from their property. Ask nicely and most fishermen will leave. Act nasty and expect back what you gave. JMHO

NH_boater · 07-23-2014, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeF-NH

I like to think I extend common courtesy and expect it back. If I get unsolicited grief from a shore front owner because I dared casting to his dock when he was looking out the kitchen window (and my sons are not on board), I don't mind returning the favor.

Agree. As a lakefront property owner, boater and fisher, I have numerous perspectives. Most people should make an attempt to start with kindness and respect. You reap what you sow.

Unfortunately, too many people (home owners, boaters, and fishers alike) default to the negative. I feel sorry for them as life is too short to live your life in this manner.

NHTom · 08-16-2014, 01:12 PM

Had this clarified by Marine Patrol once.

their answer was that you only own to the high water line..........anything else is a privilege.

I asked "So late summer when the lake is down, someone could have a picnic on my beach and no one could stop them?" The answer was YES.

I've been fishing and had people come running down their lawn screaming at me that I cant' come within 150 of their beach.......lol. I politely explain that 150 is the no wake limit and anyone can come closer at headway speed.

I have had people politely ask me if I could move along from their property and I always do. If they come at me screaming, swearing, even throwing rocks has happened..........you can bet I'll stay all day and call fish and game for sportsman harassment issues also.

I've even been told I'm "not allowed to catch MY fish" by land owners.......and I practice catch and release.

Tom

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07-23-2014, 01:42 PM	#1
MikeF-NH Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 321 Thanks: 2 Thanked 120 Times in 80 Posts	I see both sides to this story: 1.) as a bass fisherman, I firmly believe that all water on the lake is open for public use including water under a dock/boat. If a home owner were nasty to me I might be tempted to remind them of that and that the law protects my right to fish that water if that person chooses to call a Conservation Officer. BUT BUT BUT 2.) as a person that likes to enjoy my time on the water, I think it is my responsibility to respect other people enjoying the water. As such, if there is anyone around the dock (on it or in the water), I cruise on by with a friendly wave and "hi how's it going?" and ask others in my boat to not cast until we pass the area. I like to think I extend common courtesy and expect it back. If I get unsolicited grief from a shore front owner because I dared casting to his dock when he was looking out the kitchen window (and my sons are not on board), I don't mind returning the favor. Also, if I or someone in my boat accidentally hooks a dock or line, I ALWAYS remove the hook. I never cast (or allow my guest to cast) toward a boat that has a cloth cover or other upholstery that may be damaged by hooking. Again, this is a courtesy issue (from both sides). I only get involved with these discussions when people suggest that they have a right to push people away from their property. Ask nicely and most fishermen will leave. Act nasty and expect back what you gave. JMHO

The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to MikeF-NH For This Useful Post:
AC2717 (07-23-2014), mhtranger (07-24-2014), NH_boater (07-23-2014), Pineedles (07-24-2014)

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to NH_boater For This Useful Post:
NHTom (08-16-2014), PastorT (07-28-2014)

08-16-2014, 01:12 PM	#3
NHTom Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 5 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Had this clarified by Marine Patrol once. their answer was that you only own to the high water line..........anything else is a privilege. I asked "So late summer when the lake is down, someone could have a picnic on my beach and no one could stop them?" The answer was YES. I've been fishing and had people come running down their lawn screaming at me that I cant' come within 150 of their beach.......lol. I politely explain that 150 is the no wake limit and anyone can come closer at headway speed. I have had people politely ask me if I could move along from their property and I always do. If they come at me screaming, swearing, even throwing rocks has happened..........you can bet I'll stay all day and call fish and game for sportsman harassment issues also. I've even been told I'm "not allowed to catch MY fish" by land owners.......and I practice catch and release. Tom