I've had several instances where I'm fishing and other guys come and start fishing way too close. A few of them turned into shouting matches and almost came to blows.. I hate losing my cool but I also feel fisherman should exhibit common courtesy. In each case I've said "hey, do you mind? Your too close" in a nice way. The shouting resolved nothing and left a real bad feeling. But walking away doesn't seem right. What do you do?

Gasoline and a match.

there's way too much of this going around, and it's just going to get worse. with the closing of spots and more and more people fishing the surf, this is the new reality. i now go to spots that i'm not going to get as many, but on the other hand, no B.S. involved.
welcome to the new reality. let's not forget the cost of bail money either.

when ive ran into this i usually just leave. Plenty of places I can fish in peace.

1-Let them cross your line once, then cut their line while untangling
them.

2- Keep casting over their line, hoping it pisses them off enough to leave without any words and hope they don't do the first suggestion posted above to you.

All kidding aside, it is only gonna get worse and one hand why should you have to leave a spot you were at first, but is it worth coming to blows over?

Once my husband and I were fishing spiked rods about 10 feet apart, and this real jerk came and put 2 rods between us.
I asked him what he thought he was doing.
He obviously never fished before so I was really nice and said, it wasn't cool to set up 2 rods between us.
He turned on me and said he didn't see any signs.
I said it was not a law but common courtesy.
There was room to the left of me. He said he liked it right there and wasn't moving.
My name wasn't on the spot but I had been there since 4 AM.
It was now around 10.
I know better to fish in the daytime anyway.
I fished awhile longer.
He tangled me every cast.
After about the fifth time I said "I'll take care of this" and out came the clippers.
I packed up and left. Not worth losing my temper.
I hope he knew how to tie knots.:huh:
When I start to get aggrevated I leave.
I fish for pure fun, when it gets ruined it's all over for the day.

This is a good thread.
It is very hard to remain calm when someone craps all over you.
It takes allot of self control and I keep trying to remember why I am fishing
over and over.

Several years ago I met the only person I could classify as an A&%$$*e that I had a problem with since 1973 while fishing on the Vineyard at Gay Head one night.

I am sitting on the beach minding my own business, fishing property I had permission to fish on and park on. After a couple of hours a Jeep wagoneer comes up over the dune and comes to a stopp about 20' away. There are two guys in the front seat. Driver gets out and plants his rod two feet from where my rod was sitting in the spike. He looks at me and says this is my spot. He was more than little drunk. I don't move. This goes on for two hours or so. Guy keeps giving me chit waiting for something to happen. I exchange no conversation whatsoever with the jerk. His rod tip breaks off. He has the nerve to ask me for tip glue. My answer was the only time we exchanged words. My answer was brief. It was f***, well you know the other word.

Then a skunk walks up to my bait, which is a bout a foot from where I am sitting. I bolt to my left without looking and mow down the jerk. Knocked him on his keister. His buddy starts laughing at him. He didn't feel to good after I mowed him down and he and his buddy left a short time later.

It is this incident by which I judge all others. The rest of them have been mild in comparison.

I checked on who/what he was after that. I in fact did see his truck one day, later on.

I cast across them and sometimes move so close to them that it makes them a little uncomfortable. Probably will lead to an altercation at some point but it seems to work.

I think the overcrowding is largely due to the generation of internet fisherman. I can't place to much blame though because I'm one of them but I think there are alot more guys out there mostly for the internet social aspect than there were a few years ago. All you have to do to get in the circle is to buy a couple nice plugs and posts pics of them. It's more important than catching fish.

Just 2 words...."MOVE......NOW!".:af:

Interesting topic as it did happen to me at a CT schoolie/weakfish spot last night. I thought about saying something (politely!) to the gent, but I just moved. I'm not looking for a confrontation on those rare occasions when I leave the chores behind and get to fish. There's enough stress in real life, I don't need to look for trouble when I'm trying to relax.

How does a spot like Quonnie come to tolerate encroachment (where we employ a rotation), but others here say use gasoline and a match to ward off someone who has the audacity to want to enjoy the ocean like I'm doing? Why can't I call "first-ies" at Quonnie?

As a newcomer to this site, I'm curious about the paranoia, hostility, and resentment that many here feel toward everyone else who wants to enjoy themselves. I do OK when I fish, I have my spots that produce, I'm not following anyone around.

I registered here to see if I could learn anything that might help me out in terms of general locations, tides, and tactics.

Some of you here act as if people like me are leaking secrets to the Taliban. I particularly love the responses like "hey man, pay your dues". All those who have never, ever received advice from anyone else, raise your hand?

If you don't want to deal with others who have just as much a right out there as you, buy a boat or a house with private access. Until then, it seems to me that "lighten up" might be some good advice. Maybe I just don't have nearly as much invested in this hobby as some here, but I just can't see how any fisherman, who simply wants to enjoy himself and relax, is a threat to my enjoyment. I worry a lot more about beach access and the health of the fish stocks.

I'm just shocked at the confrontational attitude. In my experience, fishermen and boaters have been some of the most friendly, laid-back folks I've ever come across. That's why I always bring an extra beer or two...

Wait until the day you hook up and 6 or more others converge on you and cast over your line, over your head and act like the only fish in the ocean are directly in front of you......then you will change your tune.:laugha:

I haven’t had many problems in the surf but I mainly fish at night and try to avoid spots that draw big crowds. I find it’s more of a problem out in the boat and on several occasions I have had guys come and anchor up dangerously close to me while blackfishing or set up right over spots they seem me drifting though. Not much you can do and IMO it’s not worth getting all worked up over and letting it ruin your entire trip. I would just ask for a little more room and if the guy was a #$% I would just find another spot to fish.

In the boat it happens pretty frequently in some areas, but we just move. Not worth the trouble of dealing with someone who clearly doesn't "get it".

From shore, I can honestly say I've never really had any problems. Maybe it's because I fish pretty remote spots. Or maybe it's because I look like a jerk or because everyone knows that I suck at fishing. I'd like to think it's because of the places I fish, though.

i let it be known that they're too close, if they're thisclose i start casting sidearm....

Just 2 words...."MOVE......NOW!".:af:


Yep that works when your shoe size is 14 + :wavey:

For me it depends most times i walk away and fish further down or a different spot but sometimes if i deem the guy is a true idiot i take what i consider is an appropriate response.:devil:

Just like I said under a different thread:

"The number one Best way to get people to back off, when crowding your spot, go into what I like to call "Jehova's Witness mode" start talking religion and great it would be if they would come to church with you (refer to him as "friend" a lot). If that doesn't work, start praying aloud to God to catch more fish and mention the guy crowding you in your prayers. "Oh please grant me and my new "friend" huge fish, so we might eat them together with the rest of the Faithful. Within 10 minutes you will be fishing solo and at peace once again."

I never fished a rotation till last year. First time and I was amazed how well it could work if everyone was reasonable and payed attention to what they were doing. That's the most crowded I've ever been while fishing and it was fun (except for the drunk who fell down the rocks).

Boating on the other hand can really piss me off. I don't mind rotating a drift as long as you don't come in and anchor in it. If you do you're going to get a drive-by wake infraction and the fickle finger of fate.

Taking into account that this thread is colored by the fact that we all fish different spots, with different access parameters and space constraints, I can understand how uncomfortable it is when people encroach on your personal space, and for it to happen over and over, well, we all have a breaking point. One of the reasons I started to fish the great expanse of sand that makes the back beach is to have enough space to be left alone.

When fishing the back there are few times where there is only one little primo spot - it usually is a couple hundred yards of sand with some fish attracting feature. That said, when people come too close I don't do a thing except to keep on banging away at the fish. They are a little annoying, encroaching on your personal space, but I've gotten used to it over the years, and the satisfaction of sliding fish after fish onto the sand right in front of them when they can't buy one helps. There are times when you are the only one on the beach, 100's of yards to either side, and someone will park close to you, but unless they are closer than 20 yards I just ignore them. I did have someone park right next to me one time when I was the only one on the beach, and when the guy got out I looked at him and said "You're kidding me, right?" and he moved a respectable distance away, then walked over and started asking pilgrim questions. I think a lot of people who come too close are just trying to figure things out. Any experienced fisherman knows to give others space.

If the guy asks which has happened a few times I'm cool with it. If they know whats going on I'm cool with it. If my lines getting crossed I would say hey WTF already can ya move down a little or something. Nobody owns their own spot anywhere. It's supposed to be fun. And if you don't get along with other people or at least try to then I feel real bad for you.

when ive ran into this i usually just leave. Plenty of places I can fish in peace.

Same here, although it happens once or twice per season and its usually when I'm fishing alone. I try to fish out of step with regard to when and where as this approach filters out most of the competition. I also fish with one or two guys most of the time so there's no crowding issue as we try to box out prime casting areas so nobody can encroach.

I get it more when I'm in my skiff than on shore or the rocks. I usually don't say much either way. Unless they cross my line then I'll say something like maybe your a little to close to me and see how it goes from there. I have no problem with a confrontation if that's the way they want it. I'm usually a happy go lucky guy but don't have patience for idiots that barge in on you with no regard. I've never really had major problems though.

Just like I said under a different thread:

"The number one Best way to get people to back off, when crowding your spot, go into what I like to call "Jehova's Witness mode" start talking religion and great it would be if they would come to church with you (refer to him as "friend" a lot). If that doesn't work, start praying aloud to God to catch more fish and mention the guy crowding you in your prayers. "Oh please grant me and my new "friend" huge fish, so we might eat them together with the rest of the Faithful. Within 10 minutes you will be fishing solo and at peace once again."

Now thats funny

Another possibility would be to go "Boomhower" (from King of the Hill) on him.

a long string of indistinguishable words, slip in a "wife went crazy" a few more indistinguishable words, "got a shovel" a few more indistinguishable words, "blood all over my truck" a few more indistinguishable words, "had to get outta there" a few more indistinguishable words, "sure is a peaceful night to be fishing huh?"

One possibility is act gay and pretend you're coming on to him. but, I'd be very careful with this one, as it may backfire on you, if you run into a couple of the guys here. :hihi:

Anything that makes them think you're "out there", should work. A new one I'm considering to try next time is to start talking like I am on a cell phone with ear piece, have a nice conversation about fishing and the tide, then turn around to talk to him, waiting for his reaction when he realizes I dont have a cell phone..... If he ask who I was talking to, I'll reply it was my Grandfather who "used" to fish in this spot when he was alive. Talking with the dead, should cause him to give me a wide berth.

It's a lot of fun when you pull something like this off and it gives you a story to laugh about later on with your buddies.

Take the Carl Spackler (ala Caddyshack) approach and cut his hamstrings at the base. He'll never golf (or surfcast) again. :rotflmao:

Another possibility would be to go "Boomhower" (from King of the Hill) on him.

a long string of indistinguishable words, slip in a "wife went crazy" a few more indistinguishable words, "got a shovel" a few more indistinguishable words, "blood all over my truck" a few more indistinguishable words, "had to get outta there" a few more indistinguishable words, "sure is a peaceful night to be fishing huh?"

One possibility is act gay and pretend you're coming on to him. but, I'd be very careful with this one, as it may backfire on you, if you run into a couple of the guys here. :hihi:

Anything that makes them think you're "out there", should work. A new one I'm considering to try next time is to start talking like I am on a cell phone with ear piece, have a nice conversation about fishing and the tide, then turn around to talk to him, waiting for his reaction when he realizes I dont have a cell phone..... If he ask who I was talking to, I'll reply it was my Grandfather who "used" to fish in this spot when he was alive. Talking with the dead, should cause him to give me a wide berth.

It's a lot of fun when you pull something like this off and it gives you a story to laugh about later on with your buddies.



:biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh::biglaugh: I want to go fishing with you! Priceless.

Usually it's after you get a fish, so just say, "You can have this spot. I'm going to move down a little and outfish you from there also."

I start swinging side arm with a big danny!

I agree there is such a thing as too close--but on the flip side, what some people consider "too close" is ridiculous :rollem:

Two guys who know what they're doing can fish in each other's armpits.

I've had people get nasty when I've set up 100' away from them on the Canal--I just ignore them. If you need 100' between you and another guy, you need fishing lessons.

I just take out my 45 and fire a warning shot over there head, they get the point and move

Last year a "are you serious" did the trick, in Ri. At the canal, ive never had someone cast over my head from the service road. I was fightin a fish and heard some brake squeal and figured it was a cyclist or family that wanted to see a fish. The the "they are right there" came out of some bastards mouth and the plugs stared to fly. I said "are you serious" followed by a hearty WTF, they moved about 20 feet down. I was so pissed i left.

If I see others at a spot, I move on. It's that simple. I don't force myself upon others. There are plenty of spots to cast.
I like the solitude, and the calmness of being out there alone. I can collect my thoughts, and focus on the moment. I don't see the point in crowding someone else. :kewl:

Take all your clothes off and start talking to your imaginary friend. Works EVERY time...

This happens to me often as I am a younger guy (23) and usually fish alone. One time I was hooked by a guy in the waders, and he thought he had a fish so he set the hook, flooding me in waist deep water... that was not a fun walk into shore. Other times, there is this one "gentlemen" who usually fishes the same spot that I do. He is probably in his early 70s and doesnt wade out, so instead casts over me.. this drive me nuts:wall:

But im non-confrontational guy... and so if someone gets to close, I keep my mouth shut, get up and move on to the next spot... not worth my time to cause a scene out there.

I go fishing to relax... and dont want to spend my time on some yahoos

Really haven't had much problem with this except down at Race Point fishing at day break. If they get to close I just hand my rod to my wife and once she starts casting for some strange reason people move away. I think its call self defence.

[QUOTE=Edge Sportfish;684940]Take all your clothes off and start talking to your imaginary friend. Works EVERY time...[/QUOTE

That would for sure work.:rotf2:

This has happened to me many times,if Im fishing a spot that produces and get unwanted co.I'll leave and fish another good spot,my only hope is that the A$$hole who stays will catch nothing and won't think twice of the spot, none the less if they even know how to fish it!


What really get me is when someone standing 35 yards down current from me & decides to jig when Im trying to drift eels:af:

TOne time I was hooked by a guy in the waders, and he thought he had a fish so he set the hook, flooding me in waist deep water... that was not a fun walk into shore. Other times, there is this one "gentlemen" who usually fishes the same spot that I do. He is probably in his early 70s and doesnt wade out, so instead casts over me.. this drive me nuts:wall:


Both of those situations result in mysterious plug or rig loss... so I'm told :angel:

tie on a broad head arrow tip that you have sharpened to a scapel edge and start fan casting over the nitwits line they will never figure it out. at nite of course....

I will make a bunch of casts parallel to the shore with a surface plug and drag it in front of the guy working his way toward me. Hopefully he will see that I am working an area and not come too close.

If he continues closer I will wait for him to cast and then I'll land my plug practically right on top of his. As the plugs make friends while swimming along I will cast a glance at him and shrug my shoulders.

If all else fails I will simply pack up and walk past him, pausing to tell him how bad it's been the past week since all the bait went to X, which is 10 miles away. I may even add a comment about not having time to go to X, but my buddy is bailing them as we speak.

most of the time i just ignore them but when ppl start crossing my line and all that jazz, that is when i get really pissed off. i understand it happens but it wouldn't have happened if the d-bags didn't have to try to hold my hand. sometimes i just simply ask are you seriously going to fish right there and then they usually move down. the best was when i was out at night with my buddy and these guys walked right up behind us and almost got hooked and told us to watch out, my buddy said basically go f-urself you watch out were fishing here. about ten minutes later i here this guy screaming and his buddy had hooked him right in the neck and go figure neither had pliers, either did we. ;)

I cast across them and sometimes move so close to them that it makes them a little uncomfortable. Probably will lead to an altercation at some point but it seems to work.

I think the overcrowding is largely due to the generation of internet fisherman. I can't place to much blame though because I'm one of them but I think there are alot more guys out there mostly for the internet social aspect than there were a few years ago. All you have to do to get in the circle is to buy a couple nice plugs and posts pics of them. It's more important than catching fish.
I agree.
If they are throwing plugs and dont cross my line where Im casting I'm Fine. If they start interfering with my fishing. I tell em to move down. If it gets more then that and theres an altercation. Like I say "When in doubt knock em out". :devil2:

Turn on your headlamp to the highest setting, look them in the face and start talking. Blind the bastards.

tie on a broad head arrow tip that you have sharpened to a scapel edge and start fan casting over the nitwits line they will never figure it out. at nite of course....

Where do you come up with this stuff?


I can see it now "damn, alligator blues were biting me off all night."

Turn on your headlamp to the highest setting, look them in the face and start talking. Blind the bastards.

heh heh heh

Usually it's after you get a fish, so just say, "You can have this spot. I'm going to move down a little and outfish you from there also."

Joe: Excellent strategy. Same method I use.
Move down the beach about 50 yds. and resume catching.
It shows them they didn't have to set up right near me and it really frustrates them when I start catching fish after giving up my spot and moving. Makes them feel foolish I would think.

[QUOTE=Offshore24;684814] fished a rotation last year. First time and I was amazed how well it could work if everyone was reasonable and payed attention to what they were doing. That's the most crowded I've ever been while fishing and it was fun.

thats how i like to do it too..i love to get down and rotate while i fish.with my hot sweaty boots,and my long strong rod in my man hands..:deadhorse:i have fished in roration for salmon in maine and canada ,like a gentleman fisherman.not like yous guys..:bshake:

Swing 1st ask questions later..:claps::spin::wavey:

i generally get annoyed when there's anyone fishing close enough to me for me to be able to see them. i know i have no right to be annoyed by that, but I like fishing alone and being able to move around a cover any given "spot" without worrying about losing my perch or having to get to another earlier than I want to to claim it for when I want to be there. luckily, the places i fish i generally am alone and will often leave if others show.

but if someone gets uncomfortably close, i'll usually say something. if they don't respond favorably, i'll typically leave and (here's the mature part) do whatever I can to ruin there chances of benefiting from forcing me out (headlights on the water, etc.).

Swing 1st ask questions later..:claps::spin::wavey:

go feed a pelican :read:

and there's always the "oh, you must have gotten the message I wrote on the wall in the gas station bathroom" line while unzipping your jacket

and there's always the "oh, you must have gotten the message I wrote on the wall in the gas station bathroom" line while unzipping your jacket

Holy crap there's some funny stuff on this thread.

It's good to know I'm not alone with dealing with boneheads. The vast majority of fisherman I encounter seem like good guys. I've made some great friends fishing. it's just the occasional a-holes that really get me riled.

Unless its a hole , i just keep moving around.5-10 casts then move.It keeps from pointing out a spot.

go feed a pelican :read:

Did that already...:wave: