How Close Is Too Close To Anchor/Fish To Another Boat?

[Triton 21]

I read in a post below about some bad behavior out on the North Jetties this week. Aren't the Galveston Jetties 6 miles long? How can boats get bunched up with so much space? I have heard similar stories of boats parked literally side by side during flounder runs in the Fall off Pelicaln Island. Having not fished the jetties in many years and having never fished off of Pelican Island I have to ask....just how close in your opinion is too close for another boat to pull up and start fishing in your space? Is this a answerable question?

[JT]

if its Kenny youre next to? id say if hes anywhere on West Bay youd be better off going to fish Lake Palestine.

[coachlaw]

It depends where you are and what kind of fisherman you are. I know that in La., if you come upwind of someone anchored and catching and drift toward them or troll in quietly, you're likely to get the "wave in". They'll even tell you what bait to use. In Texas that would never happen. There are so many unwritten rules here that I just stay FAR away from everyone. The only caveat to that is if you're anchored in the middle of a channel I need to use, I'm going to putter through at dead slow and ask you what side you want me to pass on. In general I would say stay 2X maximum casting distance away from another boat if people are anchored. If drifting or people are wading, all bets are off. I'm sure you'll get some better advice from someone. I'm certainly no expert on local customs.

[Jerkyourcroaker]

Potlicking is like pornography. You know it when you see it.

JYC

[JT]

I know that in La., if you come upwind of someone anchored and catching and drift toward them or troll in quietly, you're likely to get the "wave in". They'll even tell you what bait to use. In Texas that would never happen.

If I could find a picture of a horse sheiting right now Id post it up. ill keep looking.

[GHSmacker]

If you're within eyesight. Go find your own fish!

[lurefisher]

If you're within eyesight. Go find your own fish!

X1000

[JT]

Travis back in the house.

Dude, I got a couple of guys as$$es I need kicked down here. How bout $10 bucks per each one? will that be good? Ill also buy all the beer you can drink at the marina sand bar at a 5.5 % discount.

[R C]

Travis back in the house.

Dude, I got a couple of guys as$$es I need kicked down here. How bout $10 bucks per each one? will that be good? Ill also buy all the beer you can drink at the marina sand bar at a 5.5 % discount.

What's a matter mater man? Those rainbow flag flyers harassing you?

On subject, if they tie off on one of your boat cleats and ask to borrow a few barking monkeys,.....they are too close.

[plugger]

The north jetty has a cut that funnels water which attracts fish and fishermen . Boats get close to be near the current , thus the congestion . I agree with 2 long casts distance . Go check out the cut but I think you be underwhelmed and if on a. Saturday , disgusted . Be carefull to not drift onto the rocks .

[lurefisher]

Jt put on your coaches shorts and go to town bud .

[coachlaw]

For the record, I never ever ever wore those shorts. My first 2 jobs, they gave them to me and I gave them to another coach. LOL.

No horse poop JT, happens all the time. I have been both the invitor and invitee while fishing out of Empire. Plenty of fish to share, just don't get within casting distance.

[bountyhunter]

Unless invited to come close, you need to stay well out of casting distance. Also if you notice the are fishing off one side of the boat then go to the other side. If you have to go to the side they are fishing then 2x casting distance.

I'm one that if I don't know the folks on the other boat, I'll just move on and find my own fish as it is much easier and then there are no hot tempers.

[Robalo]

If my shotgun pellets sting or penetrate when they hit you, you're too close. GTFO and find your own damn spot-and ya best not be sitting in my spot the next day.

[planohog]

Then there is the other interesting fact, its exactly like that extra space I prefer to leave in front of me in traffic, if its to easy
someone will fill it . To answer the question in my opinion , be respectful If you can throw your gear into another boat your to close. This is supposed to be leisurely and fun , not a safety hazard . Keep in mind that you may get a reputation for making poor choices multiple times. I believe that if your reputation is decent then that time you accidentally drift to close or something else then you will be forgiven or accepted as it were. Everybody has that bad day, I have them more than I care to admit. With all of that said, if we are fishing in close proximity and you recognize my boat , in your head you wont worry about OH crap that is the boat that has the loud music or here comes the pot-licker ; it will be more like, he is out about 3-4 times a month mostly gets skunked and has attractive wife.