Boating and Fishing Etiquette

Maybe people should be required to take a course that teaches responsibility and consideration, before they are allowed to step aboard a boat. While there may not be a need for a marine equivalent of "Dear Abby" or "Anne Landers," many boaters and anglers could stand a few lessons in how to interact properly with others while participating in their favorite outdoor activities. Whether you are a boat owner or simply a passenger, the way you behave onboard can add or detract greatly from the overall experience of the people with you, as well as other boaters. With this in mind, here are a few pointers that will help you make friends instead of enemies while you’re on the water.

Be Prompt

It doesn’t matter if you’re the skipper or the passenger – be on time! If you make arrangements to depart from the dock at 6 A.M., don’t show up a half hour late. Not only is this inconsiderate, you may be costing everyone onboard valuable fishing time during the prime morning bite. Nobody likes waiting around for others that are dragging their feet. Barring some unavoidable emergencies, there is really no reason to be late for departure. If you are running late, call the other parties if possible and let them know. The boat owner or organizer of the boating group, should carry a cell phone and make sure that everyone going on the trip knows the number.

Keep Your Boating Distance

If you are piloting a boat, give plenty of space to other boats out there, especially if people onboard are fishing. It’s a big ocean out there, so there’s absolutely no need to crowd other vessels. Be conscious of where you are in relation to other boats, and what those other vessels are doing. Don’t speed 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. 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. When you hook up, always follow your fish as it runs to help prevent tangled lines and break-offs.

Stay Cool

As with any hobby or sport, it’s important to maintain your composure out on the water. Be a good sport and try not to lose your temper. As a skipper, you are ultimately responsible not only for your own behavior, but for the actions of your passengers as well. It’s important for you to lay down some ground rules regarding general safety practices and acceptable behavior, prior to shoving off. Of course, passengers also bare some responsibility when it comes to their actions and temperament while out on the water. Whether you are the skipper or passenger, avoid drinking too much alcohol. It’s important to maintain your common sense and good judgment at all times, especially if you are piloting the boat. Passengers should also avoid consuming too much alcohol out on the water. Obnoxious drunks can ruin the experience for everyone on board. Also remember to keep your cool out there. If you lose a fish, regardless of the reason, keep in mind that it’s all part of the game. Don’t throw your rod, kick your tackle box, use profanity, or punch out the guy next to you. The same goes for skippers. Have patience when it comes to your passengers. Don’t expect them to automatically know how to do various onboard tasks, even if they seem simple to a veteran like you. If you want help dropping anchor or tying off a cleat, instruct them on how to do these things first. The same goes for angling mistakes due to inexperience. If a passenger makes an angling error, calmly teach that person how to avoid such pitfalls in the future. Keep your temper under control – the goal is to have fun.

Don’t Blow Smoke

Smoking onboard can also affect the level of enjoyment for others onboard. Let’s face it, part of the joy of being out on the water is being out in nature and enjoying the fresh sea air. Think of it like being at a restaurant, and don’t automatically assume its OK to chain-smoke a pack of Marlboros while onboard. Many private boat owners prefer that there be no smoking for safety reasons (due to the close proximity of fuel and fumes), but in most cases, this comes down to simple consideration for others. If the other people onboard are non-smokers, they probably won’t appreciate breathing in your second-hand smoke. If you just can’t do without cigarettes for a day, be sure to ask for permission first before you start smoking.

Lighten the Load

Avoid bringing too many supplies or too much fishing tackle with you. Keep in mind that storage space is often at a minimum, especially aboard smaller private boats. Try not to bring giant coolers, loaded duffle bags or your entire tackle arsenal onboard for a day of cruising or fishing. If you show up in the morning looking like a traveling sporting goods salesman, the skipper may just choose to shove off without you. If you’re a passenger, check with the skipper first regarding the type and amount of tackle and supplies you need to bring with you. This will help prevent duplicating efforts and overloading the boat.

Make Yourself Useful

There are two types of boat passengers, those who offer to help out, and those that are simply "dead weight." Guess who gets invited back for repeat trips. Be a thoughtful passenger and ask the boat owner how you can be of assistance. There are typically many ways in which you can contribute, whether it be helping to shove off or dock, cleaning up the boat or chipping in with the overall costs of fuel, food or bait. If you are fishing, offer to help with the fish cleaning at the end of the day. The worst thing you can do is to expect that the boat owner will handle all of these things. Act like you are part of the crew, rather than the "honored guest."

Express Gratitude

If you are a passenger, be sure to thank the boat owner for inviting you aboard, even if the sun didn’t shine, the seas were rough or the fish weren’t biting. Likewise, it’s a class act for boat owners to be gracious hosts. At the end of the trip, thank your passengers for coming along, contributing and being part of the overall experience. If you are a guest on someone else’s boat, and you own a boat yourself, be sure to return the favor and extend an invite to cruise or fish aboard your boat sometime in the near future.

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