Beach/Boat etiquitte

[Tim Harris]

OK, I’m finally going to speak out on this though I’m not sure if the people involved are on the list and will get my rant.  The other day I was out in the south sound fishing from the beach and immediately ran into a pod of salmon working.  They were way the heck out there so that I had to wade over my waist and still kick out about 70’ of line to get to where I was still inside of the main feeders but was getting fish.  There was a boat working south of me down a ways.  I started hooking fish and after about my 4th or 5th  silver the boat starts moving over.  Instead of doing what I thought he would – stay on the outside of the fish and fish them from that side – they motored right on TOP of the fish.   Well, the fish moved off their stern so I kept fishing behind them and even managed to land a few more.   I didn’t say anything at the time but probably should have,  I just didn’t want to ruin what was turning into one of my best mornings of silver fishing this year.  I ended up landing eight fish on my small marabou Clousers.     Beach fishers are at a definite disadvantage compared to boaters and it seems that boaters should give beach guys a break.  When I’ve been out with Capt. Tom Wolf we always steer way clear of beach fishers.   Maybe they thought I invaded their space but they were within sight of leaping and slashing fish and hadn’t moved until I landed quite a few so I doubt that was the case and I started about 75-100 yards down-current from their position when I started.  Now I don’t care if a boater will go on the outside of the fish and work them where they aren’t in my reach but to motor on top of the fish or in between me and the fish is just ridiculous.  These were fly fishers too and I guess I expected a bit more courtesy.      Tim