Boating etiquette

Keep Your Boating Distance

If you are piloting a boat, keep a good distance from other boats out there, especially when people onboard are fishing. It’s a big Gulf out there, so there’s absolutely no need to crowd other vessels.

Always be conscious of where you are in relation to other boats, and what those other vessels are doing. Don’t race by a boat that’s anchored, drifting or fishing, creating a big wake for those onboard to contend with.

If you have to come close to other boats, remember to slow down, and be conscious of what is going on around you. If boats in the area are fishing, it’s especially important to respect their space. Always look for divers flags as well.

There’s nothing worse than having a boat “buzz” your chum-line, scaring away the fish you have worked so hard to attract to your stern. Also be careful not to run over the lines of any boats that may be trolling nearby. Remember to be considerate when it comes to others aboard your own boat as well.

When you are fishing with others onboard, don’t hog the best position in the stern all to yourself. Also be careful when you are casting. Look behind you before you cast to make sure that the path is clear, and do your best to avoid casting over the lines of other anglers. There have been plenty of times when we ran into a large school of Mackerel and the spoons go flying and whizzing by everyone head. When you hook up, always follow your fish as it runs to help prevent tangled lines and break-offs.