Common Courtesy Fishing/Boating

[Gerry Zagorski]

Bachelor - not trying to be argumentative here but when I'm running the channels outside of no wake zones channels I'm running at speed. If I'm in an area where there is enough depth to avoid someone in a small boat I will try and do that. However, if I'm the one fishing in the channel I know and fully expect to be rocked by other boats passing through. That is the risk I run fishing those areas. IMHO it is impractical to expect every boat that is running the channel to in a non no wake zone to slow down for me.

Point in case when in a non no wake zone in a channel if the boats are running in opposite directions they dont slow down when they pass eachother, right?

Further let's look at the Ambrose channel, Raritan Reach and Sandy Hook channels. If you are fishing those areas do you think it's practical for every boat to slow down for you?? I know the tankers and cargo boats never do...

Are they breaking the law when they wake you?? I dont think so and I believe the coast guard rulings would support that. Being a small boater, I would think they would hold you responsible for putting yourself in that position.

Back in the river it's a totally different story since most of the areas are no wake to begin with and you should therefore be running at no wake speeds.

Once again, just trying to apply common sense.