Reckless lakehome owner (Lake Martha)

[SluggoMaster]

I would just like everyone to have a heads up on an incident on Lake Martha this evening. I was out fishing with a couple of buddies this evening and we had a couple of incidents with home owners running their pontoon boats very close to us while fishing.

Later on in the evening, I had this one individual drive his pontoon boat full speed between me an a dock. There was about 20 feet between me and the dock. Then he proceeded to make laps around me at high speed and swearing at me. I calmly put my gear away, and moved toward the access.

I then called my buddies in to make sure they know what was going on, since they didn't see it. I then had two of the home owners come over that saw the incident, and apologized for what had happened. After a little encouragement, I called the sherrif's office. I was able to get the name of the individual from one of the neighbors there.

Eventually, an officer was sent out. I was able to obtain the name of the person, and the officer was sent to see him. Unfortunately, the individual was sitting on the shore, but was obviously intoxicated and was very beliggerant to the officer, but there was nothing he could do.

The officer suggested that if something like this happens again to call 911 immediately and report it so they can make an arrest on the water. I was in such shock I didn't make the 911 call. I have had a few words with folks on this lake, but never anything like this. This was completely unacceptable. I am just glad my kids were not with me, since I had just dropped them off at the house.

I'm sure some of you fish this lake, but I wanted to give everyone a heads-up.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Why couldnt they do anything? Obviously he was boating while intoxicated. Plus, is it not a crime to harass fisherman and hunters?

[SluggoMaster]

According the the officer, they would have to catch them in the act, or make the arrest on the water. Needless to say I was dissapointed.

[SCUMFROG]

Just do what I do. I have a BIG musky rod and a BIG bait (with no hooks.) toss that at them and he'll re-think his actions. I've only done this one time, but I've pulled it out like I was going to whip at them and they stop. We fishermen have every right to be on the lakes, these people don't own the water.

[hanson]

Yep. This is a simple one.

Angler Harassment.

Make the call.

I don't know, would a few photographs or a videotape be of any good use to the police of this individual commiting the crime?

[SluggoMaster]

I was so shocked, I didn't think to get my camera. I will do that next time.

[senkoskipper]

hey sluggo, my buddy at works lives up in buffalo and he tells me about this lake that he fishes in buffalo. Says theres 1 guy in particular that gets really mad anytime someone is fishing near his dock. Always screaming that its a private lake or something. not sure if its the same guy but good to know so i can stay away from buffalo area lakes.

[SCUMFROG]

We should all get together and fish that lake. What do you think they would so to about 50-60 or more boats all takind turns fishing "his dock, for his fish, on his lake".

[ZOKU]

Quote:

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We should all get together and fish that lake. What do you think they would so to about 50-60 or more boats all takind turns fishing "his dock, for his fish, on his lake".

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LOL!!

I'm all for it.

[SCUMFROG]

ZOKU:

When do you want to hit lake and have some fun.

[buzzin for bass]

TurnUpTheFishing-

here is the statute you're talking about, copied directly from the state HSOforum (www dot leg dot state dot mn dot us/leg/statutes dot asp):

97A.037 Hunter, trapper, and angler harassment

prohibited.

Subdivision 1. Interference with taking wild animals prohibited. A person who has the intent to prevent or disrupt another person from taking or preparing to take a wild animal or enjoyment of the out-of-doors must not disturb or interfere with that person if that person is lawfully taking or preparing to take a wild animal. "Preparing to take a wild animal" includes travel, camping, and other acts that occur on land or water where the affected person has the right or privilege to take lawfully a wild animal.

[riverrat56]

Why take turns, lets all crowd around his dock at the same time, anchor and proceed to have a party on the lake.

[SluggoMaster]

Not that I'm saying that I'm condoning such an action, but giving plenty of love to the west/northwest docks should garner much attention, especially on a Sunday evening. Not to mention the hogs you will encounter.

[out_fisherman]

Like SCUMFROG, I too grow just a tad impatient with those

who just have to come too close. My wepaon of choice is

just a 3/4 - 1 oz bell sinker, backed up by a hefty rod

with a good stiff tip. I have glanced this little item

off more than one boat (mostly pontoons), and can tell

you it hits with a very nice 'thoinggg' on a pontoon float.

If you hit the metal side, it's more of a 'thwack'.

Either way, the captain of the offending boat eventually

gets the idea that something unusual is going on. It

seems to take this level of stimulus to get his attention,

since he didn't mind running over your line/bobber when

he first came in, nor did cussing him out get any

response. So, we are left with what 'tools' we have

on board. Muskie baits? Too expensive to waste on those

who have no concept of courtesy. I say let 'em have it!