Finally, here's a definitive answer to why I'm wrong about my interpretation of the Navigation Rules:
"Thanks for the safety remarks. Most of the Bodega commercials avoid the shallows when the sporties are there, going where there may be less fish but also less headaches. When I troll shallow with the sporties, I only have my 2 forward lines out so I can make fast turns when the unexpected happens. I know a couple of my compatriots do the same. A troller with his floats out cannot make tight turns.
In addition to the hazards you mentioned:
There are a very few crusty old commercials on the coast (none in Bodega, fortunately) that have a reputation for never turning when approaching another boat, sports or commercial. One from up north was down several years ago and caused enough problems that we reported him to the coasties. Bullheadedness can be found everywhere.
When we troll the shallows, we usually have our 50 lb. leads near the bottom, and troll the contour lines on the chart. From the bird to the elephant that means we have to turn out when avoiding another boat. Sometimes that means crowding a boat outside us. Looks bad, but but unavoidable. We have to crowd each other sometimes for the same reason. Locking a lead in the rocks is costly at best, and can result in breaking a pole and worse. I switch to Ch. 9 in there, so I have a chance to explain what I will have to do if that comes up, and hope the guy I’m crowding is listening. Usually I try to fish outside the sports fleet but not out into the jelly. On the beach it is less of a problem, dragging in sand rarely causes a problem, and who knows, maybe catches a halibut.
One of my pet peeves is when a sporty is running along, watching his plotter for a bait ball, and stops to mooch right in front of me. Happens a couple of times each year. I do the best I can, and haven’t yet hit anyone. Some people are just clueless.
I guess the bottom line is to accept that some people are ignorant, stupid, inexperienced, or just plain aggressive, and try to avoid them. Like the asshole who rides your bumper on a narrow road, or runs a late yellow or red light in front of you. Do your best, and try not to let those types get to you. As one old commercial years ago would say on the radio, “Take it easy, take it light”.
As a former sporty I can see both worlds, and at I’ll soon have to give up commercial and return to a sports boat. I’ll be on my beloved ocean as long as I can." Thank you, Anonymous Commercial Fisherman, for educating me and anyone else that needed it. I get it. Apologies to Local Legend and Tyeebones. I have read the book and got my Boater's Safety Card, and I've spent some time on the water (and lived! So far...), but clearly I have things to learn from the more knowledgeable, of whom there are quite a few. I will say, though, that when two guys that are waiting for the other one to turn actually hit each other, that's awesome. The ocean is large, not infinite, but comedy is where you find it.
6 comments:
whats the word on albacore? I got a new boat 22' NR seahawk. maybe not ideal for that but on a nice day I dont see why not. I would like to follow someone out who has a report on where to go so if someone is looking for a tail please let me know. thanks chris
Oh boy
New boat!!!! Awesome, your a step ahead of me. No problemo going out in that 22 Seahawk.
Tuna!
Cris I’m watching for a Saturday run out to the shelf.
I’m looking for a good water break closer than 50miles. I’ll post again Thursday when I get down there.
Nice one Suck-A-Fish! Can't wait to see the videos. And great write-up Anonymous Commercial Fisherman, should be a regular column.
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