Correct Access Etiquette (long)

[katoguy]

2 different scenarios

Scenario I

I was fishing alone in my boat. When I went to leave there were about 10 boats lined up to unload. There is only 1 dock (with good concrete ramp on either side). There is no courtesy dock and the shoreline is rocky so I cannot pull my boat out of the way or beach my boat while I run up and get my truck to wait in line. I floated for almost 30 minutes and the line of boats unloading never seemed to end. Finally, I thought it was my turn to use the dock because the last boat was unloading on the ramp on the other side of the dock. As soon as I tied up to the dock – in came about 10 more rigs to unload. Since the access is a “proceed counterclockwise”, should I:

a. get my truck and get in line (knowing that it will be twice as slow for them to unload because my boat is wasting a ramp)

b. untie and go back to floating (may be floating and waiting all night???)

c. ask to slide my rig by so I can get out of their way (probably not enough space for this choice)

d. untie and beach on the rocks, then get my rig and wait in line

e. other ideas???

(I elected to beach on the rocks as I had an appointment to make it to. Glass boat on rocks…ouch)

Scenario II -- different lake/access than Case I

Fishing alone again. It started raining and the wind picked up so I decided to call it a day. I sped back to the access. There are 2 access docks with 3 ramps. There is also a courtesy dock a little off to the side. I tied my boat to the courtesy dock and got my rig. I waited in line for only about 5 minutes and noticed it was a down pour now. When it was my turn, I swung the truck around and started to back up. I noticed (in my mirror) that a boat was pulling in to “my ramp” (other spots were being utilized). I figured someone would just jump out and push the boat back out to with one person to float around until it was there turn. Wrong. They pulled up and tied up to the dock. One older gentleman walked up to get his truck, while the other held the boat so it wouldn’t scratch against the dock. Should I:

a. keep backing up and force the issue

b. pull out and hopefully pull into one of the other ramps before someone cuts me off (boat at dock or vehicle and trailer)

c. other ideas???

(I elected to keep backing in. I heard rude comments under his breath. I quickly retrieved my boat from the courtesy dock. The old fella was confused. He didn’t know what to do with his boat "stuck" between the 2 docks, my trailer, and my boat coming in. I slid on my drive-on trailer while missing his boat by about 6 inches.)

Do some people not know what a courtesy dock is for? Do boaters think that if there is an open spot at a boat ramp that they can just pull up and take it without waiting in line? Should you not first look to see how many rigs are in line waiting? What is the proper “access etiquette”?

I have noticed bass anglers are the without question the best at boat accesses. They are ready to go when it is their turn, they don’t usually tie up at all (don’t want to scratch their pretty glass boats), drive on (load) most quickly, etc… Meanwhile older people (I am 37) are slow and, overall, more inconsiderate of others. Anyone can be rude. These are only my observations.

[Flipnripem]

Been there done that. Once, I say once, I had another fisherman offer to back up the truck in a conjested situation. I did know the person so it made it easier to hand over the keys. It is a tough call all around. I would say take a turn. Even if it means tying up a ramp. You pay the taxes also. Flip

[dfv87]

if you waited your turn what are they gonna do? you will never make everyone happy in that situation.

[76k20]

I had a similiar experience at north long-

I waited in line for my turn, got the boat ready to launch while waiting, pulled up and before I could back in my rig some guy with two other adults in his boat pulls up and they hold onto the side of the dock and wait for him to get the truck and budge all others in line to pull his boat during this whole episode some guy with a huge ski boat is drying his boat in front of the other ramp. and my wife just didnt understand why I was choking on my rage.

4th of july weekend traffic, I just wish someone rented brains out on those holiday weekends

[Valv]

I actually think there is a rule from USCG that states boats in water have right to dock before bots to go into water.

It means if you are on the lake near dock, nobody can unload their boat until you are out of the lake.

But I have to check on this, not sure about the rule.

Scenario 1 is, pass everybody in waiting line with your truck empty and approach dock, if they argue, tell them you have a boat tied and waiting, it takes 2 mintes to be out of water.

Scenario 2 I think you did great, old guy never been with a lot of pressure at the dock.

[Guest]

I have noticed much more poor access etiquette this year. Seen this weekend where there were several boats waiting to pull and people drop off their partner and had a whoever gets their first to back the trailer in mentality. WAIT YOUR TURN!!!

Also more fishing on top of others. There is no need to fish within a casting distance of others. Most lakes are big enough - go find your own spot or at least give others some room if they're working a marker closely.

I realize it's public waters but just some common courtesy is nice and if it has happened to any of you remember how it makes you feel and don't repeat it.

In other words, I hear ya kato!!

[Valv]

I thought I did read about dock approaching few years back, but I cannot find anything, I guess it was not a law or it's been hidden or erased somewhere.

We are all on our own, just like the Wild West.

Pretty soon we'll find somebody hanging from a tree.

He was guilty to keep dock space over 5 minutes.

I believe hanging is allowed still for horse thieves and dock hoggers....

[TSCTSC]

DNR maintains the boat ramps. Do you think that if USCG does not have such a policy, would DNR have anything to say on ramp etiquette? It does make sense that people who are bringing their boats in from the water should have priority over those unloading their boats in.

[ZOKU]

Quote:

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DNR maintains the boat ramps. Do you think that if USCG does not have such a policy, would DNR have anything to say on ramp etiquette? It does make sense that people who are bringing their boats in from the water should have priority over those unloading their boats in.

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Agreed.

I don't own a boat (at least not yet) but I'm interested in knowing if there is a proper way of maintaining this etiquette? As mentioned earlier, maybe it is just one big free for all?

[Valv]

Unfortunately it is, and common sense looses big time over Ego and Stupidity.

The reason behind docking is that it can be dangerous and difficult due to tides, waves, wind, etc. (there's other body of waters besides our small lakes... ) that's why I thought I saw it regulated somewhere, but apparently I was wrong .

Still boat approaching dock should have priority over one getting to ramp.

[travwinkleman]

There are so many rude and ignorant people out there. I guess thats why I dont fish the lakes in the Twin Cities area and stick to the northern lakes.

[Walterwontfalter]

I think a lot of the rude and ignorant people out there are that way because 1.) they never had anyone teach them about courtesy and ettiquete and 2.) By being rude they have always gotten their way over people who are polite and courteous who let them get away with it. I think the only way to help the situation is to have a plain, simple, definate set of guidelines and have them readily available and have everyone educated about them.

[TimR]

Situation 1: Tie up as far back as you can to the dock. If possible, leave room for people to sneak around you. Go get in your truck and wait in line. You are alone, that is the best you can do. If people get [PoorWordUsage]y about a guy alone doing the best they can, tough.

Situation 2: I would have done the same as you. At most ramps I have been to, it is the trailer in line that dictates who gets to pull out next. Maybe the old gent didn't have the confidence to pull up to a crowded courtesy dock - who knows.

Bass fishermen - They are pro's in small groups - get a bunch of them around and they are yahoo's. The weekend before a charity tourney on Forest Lake this summer, there were a bunch of them out there. Place was packed with pleasure boaters. The dock was ringed with boats - lots of inexperience, lots of rusty skills. There were boats hovering off the dock waiting for a spot. You just have to be patient in this case. However, they felt it was necessary to blast in, come off plane as close a possible to somebody already having trouble getting the boat on straight, jam their bow between docked boats waiting their turn. The the "fellows" didn't feel it necessary to wait their turn in the line of trailers, they'd just back in where people were trying to pull out and put on tie-downs. It was depressing to see these guys be such jerks. Silly to do with all their sponsors logo's plastered all over everything.

There is nothing wrong with people who are new, slow, alone, etc. If you are alone, it just is going to take you a little longer, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Tim

[MikeYager - Suzuki]

I recognize 2 lines at the landing. 1 is in the water waiting for a dock spot. The other is vehicle at ramp. I consider the vehicle at the ramp the primary line. Once you get your trailer to the ramp that ramp is yours. The rest is courtesy and respect. Seemingly harder to find these days. I've had pretty good luck at the ramps this year.

[huntingislife]

Quote:

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I consider the vehicle at the ramp the primary line.

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Thats the way I see it too. Doesn't matter if you are unloading or loading. Just get in line and wait your turn. Everything goes much smoother that way. But inevitably, somebody will think that they don't have to wait like the rest of us.

[Guest]

As far as vehicle in line remember that some people do go out by themselves and if that is the case they would basically sit there all day waiting to pull. Alot of landings have one ramp with one dock. Is it that hard for people to realize who gets to the landing before them and is waiting?? It also invoves common sense as well as courtesy and respect.

[DTro]

That works when there is a "break" in the line, but if you are out there floating around waiting for "your turn" it could be a long wait on a busy day/busy lake.

I agree that the boat coming in should have priority, to an extent. You can't just come blazin in like an (Contact US Regarding This Word), and that's what this whole issue boils down to is selfish (Contact US Regarding This Word).

[katoguy]

Exactly my point (why I listed scenarios from both on-the-water and on-land). I am glad I am not the only one to experience this and was only trying to glean others perpestives.

[hcrider]

Another thing to keep in mind, is that with limited parking at many accesses, if you let the guy pull his boat out ahead of putting yours in, you will likely gain a parking spot.

HC

[Da Beak]

Quote:

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Another thing to keep in mind, is that with limited parking at many accesses, if you let the guy pull his boat out ahead of putting yours in, you will likely gain a parking spot.

HC

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Yeah, unless some other moron who's 5 or 6 back in line waitin to put in send's his wife or kid out to stand in the spot to reserve it for him!

[blakjack23]

I would have a new hood ornament on my truck if someone tried that dump.

First come, first serve...

[Bassboy1645]

somting that iritates me is nonfisherman at my local ramp. theres a bar and grill plus marina at this launch, but anybody who goes to the bar takes up all the viechle and trailer parking. there is no closeby parking for just veichles. A sign clearly says viechle and trailer parking only. Should i be taking down plates and turning them in??????

[Da Beak]

Yup, a few tickets handed out, and things should clear up at the landing.

[katoguy]

Bassboy, you are clearly referring to Westwood. This situation bothers me, too. They have limited parking "inside", so all the spill over is in the public access. The sign there clearly calls out the statute governing accesses ...to be used only for parking of vehicles used to transport said watercraft...

You really can't blame Westwood because they cannot expand due to the marshy area. They certainly won't turn away business.

I doubt you'll have any luck calling law enforcement. They will probably be too preoccupied to drive out there to respond to a boater.

[MikeYager - Suzuki]

How about the people who fish the landing, even if it's posted not to? Many times they have kids so you feel obligated to give them the right of way. Not any more for me. I offer the same respect in return.