STEVE PENNAZ:
“Close is a relative term, and I often base my definition of crowding on the water fished. I’m fine playing bumper boats when fishing schooling fish like walleyes, and I don’t mind someone working off-shore structure or a deep weedline with me, but spook a school of redfish or tarpon off a flat by running a mere 100 yards from my boat and I’ll raise a stink. Bottom line—treat me how you’d like to be treated.”
KURT BECKSTROM:
“Our sport is more fun when shared with someone, even a stranger, so I don’t mind fishing among a group of boats. At the same time, you have to respect other anglers’ space. Don’t get so close you can read his sonar screen. And if someone’s going to steal your personal hotspot, they’ll do it one way or another—with GPS or a pair of binoculars.”
RYAN GILLIGAN:
“Part of the fun of fishing is getting away from the crowds, not joining them. So never fish a piece of structure or cover that another angler is already on. Don’t justify crowding because you think the spot is big enough for two, or because you “found” it first. Save the excuses. It’s public water and someone beat you there fair and square. There are plenty of other spots, so go find one. You’ll be a better angler for it.”
TONY CAPECCHI:
“Every time on the water I want to catch as many and as big of fish as possible. But I’m out there to have fun, ultimately, just like everybody else. If somebody’s crowding me, I’ll “box them out” a little bit. Beyond that, I’ll either make the best of it by asking them questions or joking around. One time a boat crowded me so closely they lost two jigs on my anchor rope. Rather than getting mad, I simply thanked them for the free jigs. (I’ve caught a lot of walleyes on them since.) I always remind myself that when people are crowding me it’s usually not on purpose; they’re often less-serious anglers/boaters who don’t realize what they’re doing.”