This year has been the busiest I have ever seen on Lake Guntersville,
the visitors to our fishing industry here in North Alabama appears to be
very strong. The problem is the fishing is average at best and most the
visitors can’t find fish on their own, most these folks are from states
and lakes that are small yet deep and everyone fishes the bank most of
the day! Guntersville is a shallow lake and as the fish migrate past the
spawn the bank bangers can’t get a bite and don’t know what to do to
develop a pattern that catches fish!
The problem is they start riding around the lake looking for a
gathering of boats, or a guide like me leading fishermen and
they start cutting in front of those who appear to be
knowledgeable or catching fish! Well folks I’m here to tell you
that acting like this is extremely rude, not to mention that not
all folks are as forgiving as I am! I can’t tell you how many
times this week my clients and I were rudely cut off by
fisherman. I’m not talking about someone moving in a hundred
yards ahead of you, I’m talking about fishermen cutting between
boats 20 yards apart because they watched someone catch a fish!
This action lacks class and makes for some bad feelings toward
those visitors that act this way! It might be different if the
person cutting you off like this would even say would you mind
if I joined you at least there would be an acceptance or denial.
The lake is so crowded that it’s time for all to be considerate
of each other, acting like it’s OK to just cut 20 feet in front
of you is wrong, it’s a sign of bad manners and poor decision
making. Fishing etiquette is fairly simple, just act and treat
others like you would want to be treated and I am sure that your
lake etiquette will improve!
