During a recent catfishing trip I have noticed that these so called Bass Master's seem more like spoiled children.  Running by you at break neck speeds with total disregard for fellow anglers.  If you ask me the Bass is the most overrated fish in the water.  I think catfishing deserves more respect than it gets.  Nothing is more exciting to me than to hang into a 30-40 lb Flathead.  Bass fisherman in my home state of Alabama totally ignore wake zone and will cast right over you and if you bank fish they cast at you tangling there lines with yours.  We all share the water and have a passion for fishing.  It just seems here in my State of Alabama home of the Bassmaster's it seems the own the water and are snobs.  After all in my opinion it is a higher degree of difficulty to catch a monster flathead head at 40 plus lbs with live bait that it is to catch a 4lb bass with a plastc worm.  (I've done both)

I fish for largemouth, stripers, channel and flathead cats every fishing trip. I like catching bass, but the highlight of any trip for me is boating a 20 or more pound flathead.

It doesn't just apply to bass fishermen.  In a wider application, it's the people who often specifically fish for one species of fish only.  It goes back to the lack of courtesy to any fellow anglers on the water.  If you know how to fish next to me, I'm fine because the water is for all.  If you don't, then it will simply just piss me off and I may have a very dirty mouth.  Sometimes, it just some plain ol canoist, just paddling into my line.  It's not like I'm just sitting there on the bank with my rod and line in the water for nothing.

The competitive nature of tourney fishing, well that just goes to people testing out the patience of other people.  I'm sure tourney anglers would appreciate me steering clear of them, but how about them doing the same for me.  It's not like, I know of other's tourney schedule.  I'm just a leisure angler, just trying to enjoy my peace and fishing.

I've been bass fishing for a while but caught my first channel cat at 22 1/2 inches just a week ago and I agree its a great gamefish.  They taste great and fight hard.  Here in MD I don't have much problems with other fishermen about fishing manners but the non fishermen are a different story.  I was surf fishing and a boater cut my line twice after I told him to keep more distance from the shore, eventually I just started cussing him out.  Another time this really ghetto guy came up to me at the pier, said let me see that, and started fishing with one of my rods without permission.

some places in maryland bass men suck like in the upper rivers when you are drift fishing they will come so close toyour boat and for some of who anly have a small 14 ft not a 50 thousand dollar job it can get rough i had my dad out when a bass boat came so close and rocked us so bad dad all most uent over now i know not all are this way but i have never seen one slow down for anybody.

Far and away, the rudest around here are the jet skiers.

Far and away, the rudest around here are the jet skiers.

Sometimes I feel that bass fishing has become the new NASCAR. It's not about the fish but more who has the biggest, baddest fastest boat on the lake. If that is your thing, get an offshore boat with 900 HP and race around the lake all day. Tom

By the way, they have Nascar fishing rods for bass fishing people.

Why does anyone need a boat that will go 85mph to go bass fishing? A fast boat is fun, but like a fast car or bike, you have to be responsible in it's use. A .50cal does 3000 fps. High explosive incendiary. Guess who wins?

I can' t talk for every bass fisherman but my partner and I respect everyone who is fishing, wether it is from the bank or from another boat. We make sure we keep our distance so we don't interfere with someone elses line. We respect the fact that you are trying to catch fish and if you are in a certian spot before we are we try to give at least a 100 yards. Most people don't but we understand  that we aren't the only one's trying to catch fish.!!!! The water belongs to everyone!

!

I'm with Goat83 on this one ,when I'm out there and fishing my partner and I always try to give at least 100 yrds to another fisherman . Just wish I could say the same for the other folks AKA Jet skis and those  Darn PONTOON (tuna boats) .

Reminds me of fishing in giant shell cracker bed in Lake Seminole near Donaldsonville, Georgia.  There were well over 100 boats sitting on this king size bed and I was watching two older women just having the time of their lives.  A huge bass boat came barreling up behind them and couldn't stop quick enough.  One man was driving and the other was trying to put the trolling motor out and they actually hit the rear of the ladies John Boat.  I can remember it like it was yesterday.  The older lady in back of boat reached down picked up a six foot paddle and said loud enough for everyone to hear:  "Stay right there young man, I am about to teach you some manners!"  AND SHE DID!  I'LL never forget the picture of that young man who was blistered from the southern sun and getting blistered from a southern lady.  He jumped up and said to the driver of the boat:  Back Up!  Back Up! Before she kills me!  Nice lesson in good old fashion manners.  Watch out for every one when you are BOATING OR JET SKIING, ETC.  Those people on the bank have just as much right to the water as you.  Uncle Tom

My biggest problem is the canoe's and kayaks. I do some bank fishing from the bank of the Shenandoah River and I have had several that will paddle right along the bank and get tangled up in my line and cuss at me for fishing. That is the most annoying thing because I was minding my own business fishing and they could have gone out farther to steer clear of me but chose to go thru my lines instead of around.

I feel you there. I've had my problems with kayakers on the river when I'm catfishing but you got to assume that there are some people that just don't care about anything but themselves and one day they'll get back what they've done to everyone else. Karma's a B@#$%.

The main problem is the people that jet ski where I live.  They cause tons of commotion.

There's a cure for dealing with water hogs grazing over your lines. Keep a heavy action rod handy with a 1 oz jig tied on 60# braid line. That is standard fishing equipment for me regardless. When another boater interferes over your catfish line snag his line and cut the bait off, then pitch it towards them. "Here's your bait, sorry about that.". If the intruders are tournament fishing they probably can't leave the boat to mess with you. Your action will put a dent in their plans, costing them precious time. They need to learn to cooperate. If they don't get it, skip the jig to the hull of their fine boat, just enough to touch it. That's not a violation of fishing law. The newer it is the more sensitive they are about those loud crack sounds. The noise also ruins the bite around their boat. "Oops. sorry, I'm still working on accuracy." That usually results in them leaving in a rush.

On the other hand, most always if a tournament basser explains he was counting on my hole from practice days I let him have it, though didn't do that when competing. First come-first served, fastest boat gets it first, but that one can't be in two holes at once, so move on. But for me I still owe some nice catfish and crappie fishermen favors for immediately yielding a great bass spot after explaining nicely I was competing and really need to get those bass out of their way. Only one ignored me.

I've watched local fishermen organize at ramps with the intent of getting onto classic b*******s before a tournament launch. That used to be friends of competitors holding spots for their buddies, but now everybody seems to know what's going on, so each competitor now might find half a dozen boats on his prized spot, maybe even his whole milk run killed. I hope that doesn't hurt the local economy, as those tournaments bring in a lot of business. All involved have the capacity to simply follow the Golden Rule out there, as much as possible. But there's another principle that goes with that, that of the Rod of Correction. Hopefully all my fellow bassers will grow up.

Jim

I agree on the boat topic
1. i been fishn for 13 years never had to use a boat once.
2. why do you have to fly to the spot fish ain't dumb people they're goin to here you
3. walking on the banks make the fishing trip more enjoyable you met more fishermen and you can work an area better
4. the money that goes into the boat, trailer, lincenes, Fuel, and insurance could all be used to fishng tackle, rods, reels, and baits

It seems like a big waste in my eyes maybe cause i never used a boat

You don't need a boat if you have a great spot on a bank where you know cats will come by. I have access to oxbow lakes, ponds and some creek and river pools isolated by rapids, where the catfish stay year around, can't really go somewhere else. There are many folks so fortunate to have reliable access from a shoreline. But when our threadfin shad begin dying off in cooling water, no cats will be anywhere close to a shoreline you could fish from without endangering your life. They will soon be out in deep water circling under stressed shad schools, gorging on the weak and  dying ones. Boats will line up tossing whatever baits, hauling untold tons of cats aboard. When that begins you would have no cat without a boat around here.

When cats leave shallow water you will not noodle a one of them.  Without a boat you will not get in on most catfish tournaments. If you can't locate them out in the deep with sonar you will almost certainly not compete. There are most certainly prime hot spots only accessible from a boat. You would never get a chance at a giant cat at a gate of a lock & dam on a river. A boat simply magnifies access to places catfish go through the seasons.

Jim

Not trying to give anyone any ideas but I know a fella who keeps a paintball gun handy in his boat. . 
  I like all types of fishing everything from bluegills to cats. There really is nothing like the fight of a big ole river cat. If a bass is a boxer then an ole cat is a 350 lb hillbilly that just waits to get ya down in the gravel. Being a hillbilly myself, I love the challenge.
    Nothing like puttin a big cat in the boat!

Weddy-If you lived here in Arizona you would probably give up fishing, because without a boat, you won't catch much except bait. You just can't access fish habitat on Arizona lakes without a boat. Period!

And about the guy with the paint ball gun. Is he suicidal? If he pulled that out and aimed it here in Arizona, he would be answered by live fire. I carry at least 2 firearms on board my boat. My designated boat gun, an M1911 .45, whichever concealed weapon I happen to be carrying that day, and my snake gun in my tacklebox, a .22 caliber revolver loaded with snake shot. This time of year I might also have my 12 guage on board for shooting quail while fishing near shore. It's called "cast & blast'' here by game and fish.

Good topic!  I LOL'd at the comment about the 350lb Hillbilly.  The comment about the having a gun in AZ doesnt suprise me, I used to live in NM and it's a different world down there, you definetly need to be prepared!

I have been in several situations, boat and shore, where someone on the opposite side will just show up and begin casting, or drifting over the spot I am clearly fishing.  A couple of occasions they have come within mere feet so that when I ask them to move, I dont even need to raise my voice.  It would be a different place if people were a little more considerate of other people.  Maybe people in AZ wouldnt need to carry guns on their boats (at least not for protection)

I'm basically just a gun guy. I have a concealed permit and I don't go anywhere without one. It's a dangerous world and I feel a lot more relaxed when I know I can defend myself if things go south.

Arizona is one of those places where a person of reasonable character is allowed to carry a firearm, most of the places where self protection is most necessary, concealed weapons are banned exept to the chosen few and those who don't give a rats eyelash about the law and the rights of others. Courtesy and consideration should always be major considerations and in many areas and from many people, they are rare. There are many places where people would carry if they could and more than a few carry in some of those areas in spite of the fact that they cannot do so legally. They have to be very carefull but they do it. Those do not care about the rights of others, say "Permission, I don't need no stinking permission." and do as they will.
As an anecdotal aside, in a survey, it was found, a number of years ago, that nearly 50% of the students at a college in the Chicago area carried for protection even though it was not legal, they figured the potential problems of illegal carry were a lessor risk.
I don't carry, I've thought about it but decided not to at this time. I have told some friends not to get a gun (attitude) and some others who were not too familiar with firearms to talk to a professional as to choice and training.
Wow, I am "loquatious" today. All for now, Allen

We have concealed carry here in Ks. also. We also have ''no gun'' signs on many businesses. I get a kiick out of those, like a bad guy is going to pay attention to that! I don't carry or even own a firearm for various reasons, such as a stroke leaving shaky hands, and curious grandchildren.

The biggest problem with concealed carry is alcohol. Way to many people don't get the message that guns and booze don't mix very well (see P. Burris). Most of the anti-gun lobby would dry up and blow away if there wasn't an issue with irresponsible gun owners. My son has a brother in law that owns a .357 for home defense. He has NEVER fired this weapon even in practice. By the way he has 12 children, at least 9 of which reside in his home. Is this a responsible gun owner? I think not. Thoughts? Tom

I grew up in a hunting family. Always had firearms around the house. I remember my Grandfathers gun cabinet with @ 4 shotguns, @ 6 rifles, and numerous handguns. I learned to shoot before starting school! I'm very comfortable with and around firearms, however, I'm also the first to agree that they are not for everyone.

Pegsguy, the guy you described is a great example of someont that should NOT have a gun. Odds are he can't hit his target with no experience shooting this weapon. and I seriously doubt that there is any firearms safety being taught in this household.I don't shoot as often as I'd like to, but I am proficient with my weapons and hit what I aim for repeatedly. I hope I never need my skills, but if I do, I will not hesitate to defend myself,  my family, or those either incapable or unwilling to defend themselves.
Many firearms opponents cite depending on the police to defend you. All the police I've ever had contact with have said exactly the opposite, that it is up to the individual to defend themselves. The police are responders who investigate crimes and arrest perpetrators, not public defenders. The damage is nearly always done by the time they arrive.

I should have noted that shooting at someone with a paintball gun would be considered "assualt" in most places. And yes, if one considers carrying a firearm for defense, learn the rules and spend enough time with the firearm to understand it. Bass or bass is citing the synopsys of a US Supreme court case RE a lawsuit against the DC police. Basically, the court said it was not the police depts job to protect you as an indevidual, their job was to protect society in general (someone may have the exact quote).

you sir are so full of{1}**** it makes me sick. I have never met one pure bass fisherman with one once of  respect.  In new york state the boating laws state you will reduce your speed to no wake when passing boats at anchor , divers , swimmers, boats  not under way engaged in fishing. I have had bass boats rip me off anchor while fishing with no regard to the laws.

you sir are so full of{1}**** it makes me sick. I have never met one pure bass fisherman with one once of  respect.  In new york state the boating laws state you will reduce your speed to no wake when passing boats at anchor , divers , swimmers, boats  not under way engaged in fishing. I have had bass boats rip me off anchor while fishing with no regard to the laws.

Hey catfisherman....which one were you referring to as "full of{1}****"?                                                                                                                                                                                                    

I agree that speaking in absolutes is ALWAYS a good decision. I told my mom when I was young you CAN judge a book by its cover. All trout fishermen smell like fermenting onions and walleye fishermen are all unemployed, deadbeat fathers

I fish for trout AND bass so what does that make ME!? Some of you guys (Channelcat) need to mellow a bit! Don't be so bitter!

On all of my fishing trips I target bass (stripers too where they exist), channel cat, and flathead cat, as well as sunfish for flathead bait. And quail when in season (cast & blast). So how do you categorize me?  Bass fishermen around here are quite considerate. The ignorant morons around are the pleasure boaters (partyers and drunks) and jet skiers (partyers and drunks).

THREE POUND BASS MAKE GOOD CATFISH BAIT.....That's what I tell all the "Bassmasters" I come in contact with.

Why can't we all just agree that we all love fishing? Regardless of the species!

Good point CQ...I can't imagine limiting my fun to only one species!

I agree with Pegsguy about BASS being like NASCAR. Just look at all the sponsors all over there jerseys and boats! LOL, But seriously, tournament fishing is highly competitive and there's lots of money on the line. So with a faster boat, you can get to your spots and make it back before check in time. Keep in mind the Elite Series tournaments are held on huge lakes and rivers, so there, they can open up there boats. But It's the weekend guy that THINKS he's an Elite BASS Anglar, that has no respect for others. Some states require safe boating courses before you can operate a boat or jet ski. I think ALL should be required to take some kind of boat safety course. There's just way too many people that are operating boats and water craft that don't know the Rules of the Road or COLREGS. And it's not just when a boat in underway, it's the fisherman as well. There are many good fishing spots here in Jamaica Bay that you have to drift over because they are in the navigation channel...but guys do it all the time, they anchor up in a NAV. channel. When your passing them at 25-30 knots, they look at you like your an ass, but the reality is they should not be anchored in that spot to begin with...so it definitely goes both ways. Oh...I agree...we all love fishing...lol

guys, maybe all of us have had some bad experiences with people being disrespectful in hi powered boats, but that doesnt give all bass fishermen a bad name. most i've met are very polite about sharing water. really, some of you guys need to loosen up a little bit.

Posted By bass or bass? on 05 Dec 2011 08:09 PM 
. . . fishermen around here are quite considerate. The ignorant morons around are the pleasure boaters (partyers and drunks) and jet skiers (partyers and drunks).

I agree with B or B. Sometimes those high powered bass boats can be annoying, but in my experience (frequent CT yaker) most of the time they are considerate.  It's the pleasure boaters and jet skiers that run back-&-forth, up-&-down the lakes/ponds burning fuel and impressing their girls (or guys) that are the most troublesome for fishermen.

I agree about the jet skiers. They have NO water etiquette. They just pilot back and forth on the lake and cut off other boaters and make a lot of noise. It IS fun watching them wipe out after they've scared away all your fish though!

I am an avid kayak fisherman and the jet skis are my big problem. I always respect everyone on the water. It’s open to everyone. But when I’m out anchored off or making my way to a spot and they just fly by. They don’t care. I have had a couple of them get within 20 feet from me. This is just downright disrespectful. I just don’t get it when you have a lake that’s 200 acres so why the hell are you that close to me. It’s not like they can’t see me. That’s what drives me crazy.

I agree with the bassman.  Those jet skiers are really irritating.

yeah fanatic then they look at you like your in there way. so now i just find lakes that are way out of the way and ones that most boats cant get to. so much better and i can relax and not have to hear them or smell exhaust all day

I have found casting a 1/2 oz weight to them, tends to keep them away from me!

PWC can be fun, but like everything else in life if you're not responsible with it things can go bad. One day a few years ago I was fishing in the boat and a jet skier intentionally drove around me 3 times causing a huge wake and almost swamping the boat. He stopped just out of range. I know this because I cast a jigging spoon with a nice big trebble hook hanging off the back to a spot directly under his jet ski but missed by a foot or two. He had some not so kind words but left when he realized I was winding the line in as fast as I could for a second "cast". Most jet skiers I come across give me plenty of room, but there are always a few

Posted By Hossinonimus on 06 Jan 2012 03:48 AM
PWC can be fun, but like everything else in life if you're not responsible with it things can go bad. One day a few years ago I was fishing in the boat and a jet skier intentionally drove around me 3 times causing a huge wake and almost swamping the boat. He stopped just out of range. I know this because I cast a jigging spoon with a nice big trebble hook hanging off the back to a spot directly under his jet ski but missed by a foot or two. He had some not so kind words but left when he realized I was winding the line in as fast as I could for a second "cast". Most jet skiers I come across give me plenty of room, but there are always a few

Funniest story EVER!

First off. I did not read anything after the first post.(yet) But I had to post this now.

During a recent catfishing trip I have noticed that these so called Bass Master's seem more like spoiled children. Running by you at break neck speeds with total disregard for fellow anglers. If you ask me the Bass is the most overrated fish in the water. I think catfishing deserves more respect than it gets. Nothing is more exciting to me than to hang into a 30-40 lb Flathead. Bass fisherman in my home state of Alabama totally ignore wake zone and will cast right over you and if you bank fish they cast at you tangling there lines with yours. We all share the water and have a passion for fishing. It just seems here in my State of Alabama home of the Bassmaster's it seems the own the water and are snobs. After all in my opinion it is a higher degree of difficulty to catch a monster flathead head at 40 plus lbs with live bait that it is to catch a 4lb bass with a plastc worm. (I've done both)


More difficult to catch a 40# flathead than a 4# bass? Cast and wait, or cast and work your bait? I'll take drinking beer and watching my line to move all day. Easy work. It takes a small, and I mean small, effort to catch bass. It takes even less to catfish.

I think some tournament people might be a little pushy because there is a lot on money on the line, still, there is no excuse for bad manners. If a tournament angler does stupid and/or disrespectful actions, try to ger their boat #'s and report them. If it is non tournament people, including jet skiers, you just report them also. Won't say it will always be easy to do.

I will admit I could have been reported once on the Colorado River, I blew through a no wake zone because I didn't know it was there. I launched a couple of miles upstream on a tributary (at Millers Camp) and hit the river at Walters camp. The sign was facing the Colorado river and we didn't see it until we passed it. When we headed back to Millers a few hours later, I went real slow through that area.

Everyone at some point has that happen to them.

Arrogance is not reserved just for Bass Fisherman.
Let's just suffice it to say that the species someone is targeting has nothing to do with the fact that they don't exercise good fishing etiquette.   I have run into Bass fisherman, CatFisherman, Trout fisherman, kayakers, canoers, Swimmers, rock throwing children with their parents looking on,  etc who don't understand or worse yet care about showing some respect to others around them. 
I will have to see if I can find an old post I put up here years ago about etiquette.  It's an upbringing thing.  If people are shown proper etiquette early their in fishing career, they take that level of respect through their fishing lives.  Sadly, some don't get a good mentor to explain the do's and don'ts.
I am a kayak fisherman and will go way out of my way to keep far enough away when I see someone fishing from another boat or even more so, someone fishing from the bank since their fishing range is limited.
This is why it is great to start your kids off young and on the right track so that in the future they will appreciate the respect we all should offer to each other to allow us all to have an enjoyable experience.

Add some inconsiderate dog owners to the group. I can't tell you how many times I have been shore fishing at the local pond (some times with my dog) and had a person release their dog into the water. Not only is this rude, but a violation of local and county ordinances.

I have to agree to some extent. It seems any time I'm shore fishing some schmuck has to troll within 5 feet of where I'm fishing the second their boat hits the water. It does happen to be bass fishermen around my parts, usually throwing a spinner or crank, and in such a big hurry to retrieve for the next cast that they never even let the fish catch up to the lure. I have to laugh as they usually end up snagging one of my lines and glaring at me like I did something wrong, but at the end of the day, I watch them miss on 99% of their hits while I casually pull in 20 incher on worm n bobber.

Posted By AZAllen on 13 Jan 2012 01:00 PM
I think some tournament people might be a little pushy because there is a lot on money on the line, still, there is no excuse for bad manners. If a tournament angler does stupid and/or disrespectful actions, try to ger their boat #'s and report them. If it is non tournament people, including jet skiers, you just report them also. Won't say it will always be easy to do.

I will admit I could have been reported once on the Colorado River, I blew through a no wake zone because I didn't know it was there. I launched a couple of miles upstream on a tributary (at Millers Camp) and hit the river at Walters camp. The sign was facing the Colorado river and we didn't see it until we passed it. When we headed back to Millers a few hours later, I went real slow through that area.

The whole reason bass are so popular is that they possibly the most awesome fis in freshwater

Sorry az Allen was meaning to address bassbum who apparently has never fished for bass before. I do admit that there are some disrespectful fisherman and that catfish are a great gamefish. How how the actual fish is said to be no good because of a few people with no respect is Ridicules.

Posted By ariess on 16 Feb 2012 06:10 PM
Sorry az Allen was meaning to address bassbum who apparently has never fished for bass before. I do admit that there are some disrespectful fisherman and that catfish are a great gamefish. How how the actual fish is said to be no good because of a few people with no respect is Ridicules.

I would find it highly unlikely that bassbum has never fished for bass before, I simply think you misunderstood his post and the thread for that matter. What he was saying was that it takes more skill to land a 40lb catfish than it does to land a 4lb bass... As far as the fish being no good, I didn't see any posts with anyone suggesting that, the point of this thread was simply stating that a majority of people find bass fishers (those who fish only/mainly for bass and no other species) generally act like pricks with little regard for their fellow fishermen.

I also think that so called "arrogant bass fisherman" are worse in the South than other parts of the country. Mainly because there are more of them down there and because of the warmer climate bass fishing can be done mostly throughout the year as opposed to where I live (Pacific Northwest). Although we do have tournament bass anglers and bass fishing enthusiasts up here, we have SO many lakes and rivers here you rarely if ever see them and if you do I don't think they are as aggressive as down South.

How long is this goofy thread gonna last? Cat fishermen calling bass fishermen "arrogant".{1}*****ing about a bass boat going by to fast while they sit there in a pile of beer cans on the bank. The pot calling the kettle black? Wish I could think of something the trout and salmon fisherman did to tick me off...then we could drag them into this also...hate to leave anyone out!
                                                                                                             

Hey Mo! I once met a guy who was trapping minnows who ticked me off. I had been fighting a lunker minnow for about 35 minutes and ready to land it when the guy walks right over to my line, and put that minnow in his trap! Couldn't believe it. Asked him what he thought he was doing, and he said getting bait and if I didn't like it he had a quarter so I could call some one who cared! The arrogance of that minnow trapper. Just goes to show, you meet all kinds when fishing. LOL

Tight lines,

Salty Dan

Darn dirty minnow trappers!   Just noticed I have four posts on this thread...I'm my own worst enemy! 

Posted By mo65 on 17 Feb 2012 06:54 AM 
Cat fishermen calling bass fishermen "arrogant".{1}*****ing about a bass boat going by to fast while they sit there in a pile of beer cans on the bank. The pot calling the kettle black? 
                                                                                                             

Sorry mo65, I'm a die hard catfisherman who has bank fished for over 40 years. I also fish for walleye, bass, panfish and even roughfish.To say I sit in a pile of beer cans on the bank is an insult to me and others who fish from the banks. I dont drink and I dont smoke. I take out more trash from the fishing sites I visit than anything I may take in. Around here, shore/bank fishermen get little respect by boat (bass and walleye and muskie) fishermen. I guess if you dont have the money to buy and fish from a boat you must be low-life and dont deserve respect. I believe that is the point of this whole rant and reason for the initial thread.

Wifisher...I'm a diehard catman too...and guess what? I fish from the bank too. And I drink and smoke, but I don't leave trash on the bank either. If you pick up as much as you say, then you should be able to understand what I'm talking about. Every time I go to the lake it's the same thing...beer cans and bottles, empty liver containers everywhere. Like it or not, I think we both know it didn't come from that guy blowin' by in his bass boat. Catfishermen get a bad rap because of this, so don't take what I said as a personal insult, I was pointing out that they need to address some issues too!
                                                                                    

Posted By mo65 on 17 Feb 2012 09:56 PM
Wifisher...I'm a diehard catman too...and guess what? I fish from the bank too. And I drink and smoke, but I don't leave trash on the bank either. If you pick up as much as you say, then you should be able to understand what I'm talking about. Every time I go to the lake it's the same thing...beer cans and bottles, empty liver containers everywhere. Like it or not, I think we both know it didn't come from that guy blowin' by in his bass boat. Catfishermen get a bad rap because of this, so don't take what I said as a personal insult, I was pointing out that they need to address some issues too!
                                                                                    

Point taken and understood mo65. I seem to have interpreted your post the wrong way in a few points.Thanks for the correction. 

Alot of the trash I pick up is from the waterline with the rest being from the ground. A good number of beer drinking boat driving walleye slayers around here. Some of the shore areas I fish are also fished by several foriegn nationalities who not speek a da anglish goot. They keep everything they catch regardless of what it is or even legal. They have shore fires which are not allowed, to cook their catch and then leave their spoils behind. Not enough manpower to enforce so many areas around here.  Also, some are pretty isolated. Whether it be boaters or shore fishers, its a problem. I've had my share of 'boat people' crossing my soaking lines with their lines and b***ng that "I" tangled them up.

a two once plastic training weight can get thier attention. in tx we have a lot of trouble with personal water craft. they are supposed to stay a certain distance from shore but once they see someone fishing they "accidentally" cut in too close once awhile. so if they scare the fish off we just practice our casting. it works pretty good once you call the ranger or the game warden and tell them they are coming in too close and they get there in time to see the pwc acting like an idiot