Ice fishing Etiquette

Did I hear someone say pulltabs?

Eelpoutguy wrote:

Did I hear someone say pulltabs?

IDK but yesss

I’ve never run into the issue, but if I did I would go over and talk to the person/group. Tell them what my plans were and see if we could come to an agreement. I’m not much of a hole hopper who prefers to fish with an underwater camera if there is enough light out. My plan would be to drop the camera down in holes until I spot fish, then set up camp, drilling 3 additional holes: one for the camera, one for a dead stick, one to jig, or for the Vex. Presumably, a person using a Livescope and hole hopping to maximise his catch isn’t going to feel threatened by a mostly stationary turtle.

Huntindave wrote:

Folks that are saying 10 feet, need to re-read that regulation. The regulation only applies to a shelter. Nothing about the minimum distance between anglers.

I have had ice chips hitting my portable from someone drilling a hole that close to where I was set up and actively fishing. As to the op’s question I would probably avoid the area and try to find somewhere else not because I think they own that spot just that I prefer to do my own thing and not move in on others.

I think it also comes down to experience. If you are a novice and don’t even know how to go about finding your own spot, then go and talk to the person you want to fish near. Usually people are pretty friendly if you’re honest and say you’re just getting the hang of things and need some pointers. If you’re experienced, then you should be able to pivot into a new spot if the place you originally wanted is taken. I’ve learned so many spots and new techniques because I was forced to fish somewhere I didn’t originally expect. Hell, even if you are going to fish somewhere else, I’d recommend just chatting with other people more often! I see too many grumpy, guarded, and possessive outdoorsmen. Life is too short to be that way.

Dogfish wrote:

I think it also comes down to experience. If you are a novice and don’t even know how to go about finding your own spot, then go and talk to the person you want to fish near. Usually people are pretty friendly if you’re honest and say you’re just getting the hang of things and need some pointers. If you’re experienced, then you should be able to pivot into a new spot if the place you originally wanted is taken. I’ve learned so many spots and new techniques because I was forced to fish somewhere I didn’t originally expect. Hell, even if you are going to fish somewhere else, I’d recommend just chatting with other people more often! I see too many grumpy, guarded, and possessive outdoorsmen. Life is too short to be that way.

i go ouut of my way to go BS with some fishermen!!!!!!

Depends on the size of the body of water for me. If its a big lake with lots of structure I’d be wondering why they are even by me, as I try to stay away from crowds. If a buddy and I are on a small body of water with a good tipup spread and are actively drilling/searching when another group comes out, we will tell them to feel free to use any of the ones we aren’t actively using.

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

If it’s a Swiss cheesed well known community spot it’s one thing, but…

If I’m on a lake and there’s not another fisherman within a 1/4+ mile, then one drives/walks up and starts fishing a hole I just drilled??? Yeah, not cool in most circumstances.

There’s no way in H-E-L-L I’d ever pull that on someone. There’s a lot of water to cover, and that guy drilled where he did to get away from the crowds/community spots.

If you feel like that guy is “in your spot” before you got there, instead of butting in, use that opportunity to explore for a newer and better spot (that’s what I’ve done and it’s paid off more than once)

B-man wrote:

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

I tend to lean this way. Not everyone does or knows this. If another fisherman ruins your day of fishing. You ain’t fishing right or fishing for the right reasons.