If you're allowed by your state to build structures on your favorite lakes build enough of them that you have enough to go somewhere else if someone finds one. I've actually had a guy and his friend pull up on what I suspect was a bamboo top that I had found while fishing a ledge. While 3 of us were steadily pulling 1 lb plus slabs in he expected us to pack up and leave I guess.
We kept right on snatching with them setting about 30 yards away.
But, this is the exception more than the rule and most of the locals are good 'ole boys and we work together pretty well.
I wish that I had more free time to help build structure and a lot of mine is over 5 years old and has decayed away mostly.
Instead of trying to hide from the other guys try to organize a structure building day once or twice a year. It's definately easier to do with 2 or 3 guys helping!
