Originally Posted by
A_DIFF_PERSPECTIVE
Perhaps a simple sticker on your boat, car and trailer, to be seen by the hundreds would paint a firm picture. You could write whatever slogan you want on the sticker. It is a much nicer way to get the point across, 24/7 to all and sundry who fish the lakes. Many boaties have no idea they are doing 'wrong' in another angler's eyes. Stealth fisherman are the minority. It is up to the minority to teach, or share that point with the majority.
I like the sticker idea; been thinking about it for a while.
On the water, when we are charter fishing, working - I do not wave to anyone who crosses the line in a big way. They may wonder why I don't wave, but atleast then they are wondering. ( I also don't see everyone, so don't think i'm snobbin ya.)
Secondly, I have not made it habit, on charter, to stop mid lake for a chit chat to other boats- this has worked for me over the years, and most seem to keep their distance. Body language on it's own can deter another angler from coming too close.
I have tried both methods as described in earlier posts on personal trips, and only once on a charter.
They both work, but they also both backfire. The kindest, gently worded approach I ever used was returned with complete 'abuse' from three men in one boat.
I think we should try stickers, thousands of them.
A simple sticker with a few friendly ideas may work.
Example,
Courtesy on Dams
1. Quiet is a shared respect- being noisy may get you yelled at.
2. Keep your distance. Coming too close might get you ..........
3. Wanna catch a barra? All that noise coming from your boat is like dynamite.
4. bla bla bla
It needs refining, but we could print 3000, sell at cost, just to get them circulating.
Its a simple idea to help solve a possible ongoing problem. Anyone keen to take action, or be involved? Who doesn't read stickers on vehicles? It just needs to catch your eyes.
Johnny Mitchell