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Tag: courtesy

Courtesy: It’s only common sense

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Fishing, Outdoors.

It’s that time of the year again when schools of tarpon conduct their annual migration and mating ritual off Anna Maria Island beaches. It’s also an annual ritual for anglers who pursue the “silver king,” arguably one of angling’s most exciting and challenging targets. 

In high season, around the new and full moons of June, as schools of fish mass in the local waters, it’s not uncommon to find huge clusters of the fish and the anglers who fish along the beaches and passes. Groups of boats can be seen along the beaches and off local passes as they jockey for a presentation to schools of rolling and daisy-chaining fish. 

During this time, in the excitement of the hunt, tempers can flare as anglers, caught in the passion of the moment, forget to respect their fellow anglers. There are also those new to the sport who don’t understand the process of pursuing schools of tarpon in a manner that gives everyone a fair shot at success. It’s a formula intended to keep the experience safe and enjoyable, while ensuring the tarpon fishery remains healthy for everyone who shares it. Good manners on the water make for a better fishery.

The first rule is simple: Pay attention and never motor up to a school of fish that other anglers may be in line to make a presentation to. If you watch closely, experienced anglers will position themselves well ahead of a moving school, often making fine adjustments with an electric trolling motor. After a school passes, they will wait before starting engines and then make a wide loop to repeat the process. Cutting through another’s boat line or drift and motoring up to fish will spook them, cause them to sound and ruin the chances for everyone. If you are new to the sport, it pays to watch quietly for a few minutes before joining in. That small pause can tell you everything about speed, spacing and the path fish are taking. 

While fishing, pay special attention to fly anglers who anchor or pole the bars and local passes. These seasoned anglers pay attention to the movement of tarpon in shallow water, often positioning themselves on an edge that tarpon move along. Cutting across that line or motoring in shallow water can ruin everyone’s chances. 

Courtesy in tarpon season is not only about other anglers, but also about respecting the fish. It’s good to remember that tarpon are here to reproduce and not for the sport of the angler. Florida law states that tarpon is a catch-and-release-only fishery and that tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water unless an angler is pursuing a record with a required tag. Keeping tarpon in the water and minimizing handling time is critical. Anglers should also use tackle that’s stout enough to shorten the fight, leaving them the reserves to survive the sharks that frequent the waters during the season and are their main predators. 

The best advice is to spend a few minutes watching the behavior and movement of the fish and anglers before attempting to approach a school of fish. That will give everyone a better chance at success and an enjoyable day on the water. It’s only common sense, although in the heat of the moment common sense often isn’t so common!

Reel Time: Courtesy

Reel Time: Courtesy

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

Some things bear repeating. I’m guessing that you, like me, have a passion for fishing and besides the excitement of catching, a lot of the experience centers around just “being there.” It’s an opportunity to decompress and get away from the everyday challenges we face.

Or it should be. These days, if you’re not careful, it’s easy to let inconsiderate anglers, boaters and Jet Skiers ruin your peace of mind. Over the years I’ve adopted a policy that I call, “Show them the courtesy they don’t show you.” My intention is to carry this in the back of my mind at all times. I found it necessary to do this because for so many years it was a knee jerk reaction to unload on anyone who got in my “space” while I was fishing. I’ve mellowed over the years after coming to the realization that I was the one who suffered the consequences of my actions. Most of the time after an outburst, I’d move on anyway, carrying with me a bit less serenity. At some point in time it dawned on me to keep my composure. After all, there’s a lot of water to fish.

When we’re fishing we have no idea what’s going on with the others we’re sharing the water with. They could be fishing to eat, indulging a passion, finding solace from a traumatic experience, enjoying a day with friends or family or just getting some relaxation. We all get caught up in our fishing at times and let our awareness drift as we stalk a school of fish or head to the next spot we’re going to target. Most anglers start out fishing areas where they’ve caught fish before, and these days it’s not uncommon to find someone there or nearby. There are lots of places to fish, so if you find someone else nearby, move on to another location. It could be a blessing in disguise.

Jet Skiers can be the bane of fishermen, especially those who stake out on the beach looking for tarpon. A successful angler knows the value of patience and can wait hours for fish to move down the beach. When fish finally show up, there’s nothing more frustrating than to have a Jet Skier running up and around the lane that fish are coming down. After years of yelling, I started calling them over and saying hello before explaining what I’m doing. In the vast majority of cases, they apologize and give me a wide berth.

Fishing schooling species like tarpon, Spanish mackerel, little tunny and kingfish is another time when anglers need to be considerate of each other. Savvy anglers make a stealthy approach, working the edges of a school where they know predators patrol for prey. They understand that a careful approach is their best chance of success.  Anglers who don’t know the ropes often troll right through schools of baitfish and breaking fish, causing them to sound and ruining the action for everyone. When anglers take the time to consider others on the water, everyone wins.

Fishing should be fun and with a little consideration, it can be. When you’re on the water, make it a habit to stay well away from other anglers and if you encounter someone who isn’t playing by those rules, say hello and educate them. If that doesn’t work, move on. Show them the courtesy they don’t show you.