Methow report and POS guide in a red raft

[Ice Cap]

This discussion actually brings up another point.
Many times while floating rivers I will come upon a wading fly fisherman. I usually try to pass behind to completely avoid their water. All too often the fisherman will wade back in closer to shore and I can no longer go behind them due to the water being too shallow.

For those of you that don't know this, all you have to do is motion the boat to pass behind you and if there is enough water an experienced boater will do just that.

[whacker1]

I like to use the skiing method - on your left or on your right as you overtake a skiier.  Communicate with the wading fisherman like was suggested, so that you can simplify the overtaking process. 

[jackelope]

was it a cat boat?

[fishcrazy]

was it a cat boat?

They are an inlflatable pontton boat. Ofter referred to as a cat. Short for Cataraft.

Kris

[ribka]

Not a cat. Regular raft

Just to clarify . I have been an avid whitewater canoer and drift boat user for over 30 years so am familiar with the rules of the river. Whenever  someone comes near me in a boat/raft when I am fishing on the river I always ask if I need to move. Prior to this guy in the red raft threatening me 2 guides in different rafts just rowed around me saying I did not need to move and they had plenty of room to maneuver around me. This guide just wanted to push me out of a good run so his clients could access it.

[jackelope]

was it a cat boat?

They are an inlflatable pontton boat. Ofter referred to as a cat. Short for Cataraft.

Kris

right...i was asking if it was a cat...not what a cat is...

[fisheral87]

Fishing is destress time.

Word. And I'm a big fella but unless that guy comes nose to nose with me I'll just cast out and pull one out above him as he rows his sorry self down river. 

[Little Dave]

I got the impression trying to run me off this section of river. Also picked lots of trash, discarded fishing line, bait containers ( bait is illegal) along the banks of the Methow while fishing.

Bring a camera and assert your rights under state law.
Maybe print this one out and bring it with you:

RCW 77.15.210 Obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife — Penalty.
(1) A person is guilty of obstructing the taking of fish[, shellfish,] or wildlife if the person:

     (a) Harasses, drives, or disturbs fish, shellfish, or wildlife with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof; or

     (b) Harasses, intimidates, or interferes with an individual engaged in the lawful taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife or lawful predator control with the intent of disrupting lawful pursuit or taking thereof.

     (2) Obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife is a gross misdemeanor.

     (3) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution for obstructing the taking of fish, shellfish, or wildlife that the person charged was:

     (a) Interfering with a person engaged in hunting outside the legally established hunting season; or

     (b) Preventing or attempting to prevent unauthorized trespass on private property.

     (4) The person raising a defense under subsection (3) of this section has the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence.

[tomy salami]

There are no RCW codes on proper fishing conduct.

Social norms and self governing are rule of the day. I like it better this way anyways. We have enough laws. I even get mad when I see another guy get corked. I get happy again when I see the perpetrator get what he got comin.......

Less random acts of unkindness would occur if we policed the idiots within our own ranks, socially, as a group. Not saying everybody need to be throwin down or nothing, but firm words will let somebody know they aint doin it right. More should stand up for themselves on the water, too often I see some guy get lowholed and he just lets it happen.

[Little Dave]

Firm words sure, but where self-governing includes retaliatory vandalism as the enforcement model, no thanks.

The laws are our social framework.  This is the one that establishes our right of way when fishing or hunting in a place were we are allowed to be.  Should there be any question of the matter, this will be the final answer. 

Fine is $1079, a gross misdemeanor, bail is $526.
Plus you are entitled to recover three times actual damages plus attorney fees.

Knowing the law might be just what a guy needs to stand up for his rights.

[tomy salami]

I have never seen anybody ever get a ticket for casting over another guys gear. Or for anchoring up 50 feet below a hole somebody is backtrolling. The RCW states "Harasses, intimidates, or interferes.........." 

If somebody is drift or fly fishing on the bank, and another boat free drifts by, with 6 lines in the water .........Hard to hang a RCW on that. Even though it is a huge social faux pas on an uncrowded river. The only way to prevent it from happening again, is to cork him downriver.

An strategic cast or the proper employment of anchor, below the offending boat, when caught downriver is key to letting somebody know not to do it again. Remember the two strike rule.

The law is great and all, just seams social governing has a more impressing effect on a man. Most are much more concerned with how others in their immediate sphere of life think of an act. Peer pressure is not always bad. Do people drive crazy with their pregnant wife?  No, and it is not because some RCW says not to.

The law will never keep idiots from fouling fishing spots. They have better things to do, anyways.

I keep idiots from fouling my fishing spots.......you should too.

[boneaddict]

Have to admit, have been really pissed off before on the river. 

[dbllunger]

had to skip ahead...slashing tires, and damaging peoples vehicles while they are not around.....what a lame ass piece if *censored* would even suggest this.  I have had issues with other fishermen and even guides.  I simply explain the problem, the solution, and the alternative.  I am not expecting anything more or different then I give.  I WILL NOT BE PUSHED OR CROWDED OUT OF A FISHING LOCATION OR LINE BY A JERK FISHERMEN OR GUIDE!!!!!   I will share gladly with anyone courteous and willing to give back some space.  I will move the first time after explaining the situation, but be prepared to trade paint or if you push again.   

[tomy salami]

I wrote it.

You obviously did not keep reading.

[7mmfan]

The thing that really frustrates me about all this is that I am a guide, and I fish on that river. I always make an effort to give any bank fisherman as much room as possible, because they are on the bank and I am in my boat. It takes me 1 minute to float out to the next run and start fishing while it could take him, especially on that river, a solid 10 to 15 minutes to get to the next piece of water. Not only does it keep the piece with the bank angler but it makes my clients know i'm not an a-hole, which usually helps the tip  If the guy works for himself then thats a bitch, but if the guy works for a company, I guarantee the owner will want to know about it. I work for an established company and we've canned guides for treating other people on the river that way. If you run into it again, try in one way or another, to find out who he guides for. The best way to get back at him is to get his a$$ fired.