Anchoring

[motocross269]

I don't want to build on the post about the Regional so I am posting here,  it got me thinking about a topic..

Would it be considered unethical for me to anchor on bedding fish in a spring tournament like Burt and Mullet?  I have always thought that would be a good tactic to hold an area, but I am not so sure now...

I am just curious of what the consensus is and if I throw an anchor out in the spring is it going to cause an uproar....Please don't refer to the regional in your response...That is water under the bridge, but help this rookie to keep from stepping on his D@#@..

[MadWags]

This takes place all the time. That is why the powerpole was invented. It is part of the game that we are not as used to because our fishing techniques don't normally lend themselves to this tactic.

[motocross269]

Thanks for the info....A couple of years ago during a spring club tournament I found a cluster of beds on Burt and Mullet not much bigger than half a football field..Obviously you can't protect them all, but I have always wondered about what would be a good tactic..

How close would you feel comfortable moving in on someone in a bedding area that has his TM down to hit another bed that a competitor isn't fishing...? 

I have seen guys pretty tight, but like I said, just trying to educate myself on what is percieved as right and wrong...I know what the rules say, but we all know there is such a thing as common courtesy also...
Thanks for the info

[djkimmel]

Do unto others as you'd have done to you. If everyone practriced that golden rule, things would be much simpler. More gentlemenly.

I have seen tournament bass anglers say they practice this, yet they seem to only be 'practicing' it when they pull in on someone else already there yet give you the business if you do the same exact thing back to them.

Has to work both ways all the time for it to work instead of the 'do what I say not what I do' some anglers practice who say they follow the golden rule. If you wouldn't want it done to you, then don't do it to anyone else.

I try to avoid the few anglers who seem to cause most of the controvery if I can. If they come in on me when I'm there first, practicing their one way version of the golden rule, I try to bite my tongue and ignore them the best I can.

If I really thought I had a specific area to myself when I pulled in there and no one else is around, I might anchor if I thought it was the best approach more than any other reason. I've only done it a few times. Had people try to encroach a couple times. I just reminded them the rules and ignored any grumbling. If I KNEW someone else was fishing the same area too, to my knowledge and recal I have never tried to beat them there and anchor to exclude them. That doesn't seem sportsmanlike or gentlemanly to me.

[motocross269]

As a Co angler I have been very surprised at times on how close some of these guys will fish to each other...Even when open water fishing on LSC....I know sometimes there are deals made between boaters, but at other times I here a little squabbling.....

I appreciate the info and I will log it into my memory banks when I get ready to move to the front of the boat in the next couple of years.....

Tournament fishing is just fun for me and that is all it every will be...Any friends that I make or my reputation as a competitor will be around long after any checks that I win........

[Mark117]

First off, sorry for my two cents or lack of?

Anchoring on a spot is legal. We all know the game. Drop anchor in front of me and I might just tie up to your boat? I like what Dan said, and its all about respect.

Sorry Bond, that was not right to bring you into the picture.

Dan, I will not post on this site again because I can't control my thoughts.

                   Sorry again to Skip, Eric, Dan,& GLB,

                       jj sniper "ALL OUT OF LEAD"

[MadWags]

Dan, I will not post on this site again because I can't control my thoughts.               

They make medicine for that.

[motocross269]

I made a repost to try to keep from stirring up anything again...I could see myself dropping anchor on a hot bedding area and I was just trying to nail down the protocol...
Thanks for all of the information...I will feel free to drop an anchor, but I won't cut anyone off with my speedy Bass Cat......      

By the way if you see me in a tournament feel free to fish close...Just bring me a MT Dew and a Oatmeal creme pie and all will be good.....       

[bshaner]

No offense to you moto, definately not directed at you - but...

Why are people having a problem with Anchoring???  It is legal, it's not really controversial anywhere but around here it seems.  It's a great defense, which as the saying goes is a good offense.

The rule is reitterated at every tournament and now the PowerPole is specifically added to the rules.

I just dont understand why it is unsportsmanlike?  Or even why it is a consideration when judging someone's character.  Or why an angler is judged as the bad person in a situation for holding another angler accountable for a clearly defined rule.

Buy a faster boat and a better anchor if your feelings are hurt because someone anchored a spot before you.

I guarantee you if I anchor ( never have, dont even have an anchor in my boat, but if I do ) I will make a complaint with the TD if someone violates the rule.

Moto,  Anchor when you want/need.  They dont like it, politely wave with as many fingers as you deem necessary and remind them they can fish another trail or tournament or body of water that doesnt have that rule.  Good luck, I havent seen a trail that hasnt copied that rule word for word from someone else.

B

[mikesmiph]

I have an anchor in my boat. It just doesn't have any rope tied to it.

[MadWags]

It is a good idea to have a functional anchor in your boat for reasons other than blocking competing anglers.

[bshaner]

I dont carry an anchor for one simple reason.  I do not want to pay the price for the damage/injury I would do with it to jet ski's and tuna boats.  I've got one sitting in my garage that I used to carry on my boat but the temptation just became too much for me.   

B

[djkimmel]

I try to be clear, but as in all life, we all look at things from our own vantage point and belief system first. I hope I mostly try to remind people to consider 'the other guy' is also doing the same (from HIS/HER vantage and belief system). Follow the rules and treat people as fairly as possible with respect.

I have anchored when it seemed prudent and the best way to accomplish what was needed. I will not beat someone from yesterday to a spot today and anchor to block him/her out if we were both fishing it yesterday seemingly on even and fair footing.

Communication is a valuable skill. I try to use it with other anglers when prudent and feasible. Sometimes it works wonders and sometimes... just wastes breath. But I like to try and hope other people do too.

[Dan]

Wise words from our sensei. I agree whole heartedly. Why ruin an outing because there is all this anxiety created over a spot. It is one of those things that never will be solved and will always be discussed. There are all kinds of people in this world and you need to be prepared to meet up with them any time you are out and about. Attempting to work things out will placate your own conscience at the very least.

[Skulley]

In most tournaments the rules are usually stated as the "trolling motor up and anchored on a spot competitors must give that boat 50 feet/yards(depending on the organization) diameter around the anchored boat.  Being a gentleman/good sport respect this rule and guideline.


BD