What is the general consensus for maneuvering around boats fishing the channels? Do you slow down to an idle or blow through? I am speaking more to the guys that fishing the middle of the channel and when there are boats accross the channel and not to the side. Just curious to see what everyone here thinks / does when they are trying to get up or down and river with all the boats scattered.
All depends on how wide the channel is, how far I can stay away from them, and type of boat I am in. Be respectful and think of what kind of wake your boat creates at what speed. No one likes to be swamped.
I’m going to assume your asking about fishing near the dam(?).
There isn’t a written rule. But if your fishing (which means relaxing) why be is such a hurry?
It’s not a no wake zone but on the other hand, I know what it’s like to be anchored or using a trolling motor having another fishing boats wake hitting the side of the boat while fishing or cooking dinner.
The more crowded it is, the slower I go.
My 2 cents.
Brian, I was more talking about the channels at the top (north of bay city) and bottom (heading towards Wabasha) of Pepin.
Between Wabasha and Lake Pepin, the river is wide enough that I don’t expect people to come off plane if I am fishing the edge of the channel. Give as much room as is safe to do so and maybe slow down (but stay on plane).
If it is a Saturday after 9am in June and you are fishing the channel, all bets are off and people won’t have many options to not come close to you.
In my opinion if you are truly fishing “the middle” of the channel and not the very edge, you’re making a decision to knowingly have people running by you. You are also taking more acknowledged risks associated with distracted/intoxicated/inexperienced boaters. I don’t trust anything whatsoever about a boat running my direction.
I don’t trust anything whatsoever about a boat running my direction.
Fact.
In those areas with my skeeter I stayed up on plane unless it’s crowded. With the Carver, I drop to no wake speed 3-4 mph. I don’t like to have to look behind me to see if I swamped anyone.
I’ve seen people pulling kids in a tube around the fishing boats on the can line. I just shake my head.
Upstream of the can line, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fishing boat slow for another fisherman.
It’s not listed as a no wake zone and most people treat it that way.
I got the answer for you. This should be a public service announcement. If there’s room and you want to continue on at speed do so. If you feel it’s too close, shut down a reasonable distance away and idle past slowly. Here’s what NOT to do, come off pad and then proceed to give it some gas, plowing water with your bow riding high making the biggest wake your boat can. I see idiots and uneducated boaters do this all the time.
Agree to all just wanted to make sure there was not an unwritten rule. I try to back off to 25 or so on plane – less of a wake.
I also find it irratting when there are 4-6 boats in a line across the channel leaving only 20′ or less in between boats. Staggered wouldn’t be an issue but all lined up – I don’t see the thought process there.
Personally I don’t care what people do in those areas. Just don’t hit anyone and there is no wrong way to go about it.
On plane, half plane, idle, whipping donuts… go wild, it’s your water too. No matter to me.
If you are in a boat you need to be prepared for waves. That’s all there is to it IMO. Getting upset that your in a boat and someone made your boat rock is just plain silly.
Getting mad at rudeness in this culture means you will have a very tough life.
To me it’s pretty simple. When on the water, respect your fellow anglers in the same manner that you want to be respected. None of us should need written rules to use common sense but it always amazes me how many don’t seem to have it while on the water.
I don’t mind anglers going by me on plane when fishing areas of the dam or can line main channel ect . I do get annoyed when someone with 300 horse has to go by at 65 mph on plane . Seems a little excessive and small margins for error .
it always amazes me how many don’t seem to have it while on the water.
Or the roads, or in the grocery store with their cart, or in a mall on foot….
People are f’ing STOOPID. And inconsiderate. Most of the time. Especially in the cities where I unfortunately reside.
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