Thread: Who Owns It?

Personally it is beyond me that anyone would think they have first rights to a spot on any public water. This isnt the first thread on this topic and everytime I read where other fisherman have had runins with those that think otherwise just baffles me!!

I agree, part of fishing is finding cover, structure, or what ever you want to call it. If I mark fish on a brush pile I'm gonna fish it. Like was said earlier I wouldn't follow anyone uninvited, but if I happen to run across one and nobody is around it's fair game.
I have gone to my brush piles before and someone be sitting on it catching fish. Oh well thats a chance you take. Just move on and come back later. Just my opinion.

Interesting debate...........
Incline to agree it becomes public property

If its a public lake and you put structure in it and I find it...if you are there fishing it I will go somewhere else...but if nobody is on it..I'm fishing.

Originally Posted by Nightprowler64

In the June/July issue of Crappie World magazine, they talk about finding underwater cover and how to put in your own (which is illegal in my state). Some fella say's "I don't appreciate it when fisherman try to steal my spots". He calls it the "Code of Conduct". It kinda upset me... just because one guy drops cover on a lakes best structure does not make it his. With Side Imaging sonar units, everything can be found....eventually. just my 2¢

If, by what you see on your electronics, you can tell whether it's man-made or not, then you're better at it than I am. But nevertheless...you are totally right.

The "code of conduct" on a public lake is "50 yards."

aj

It is all mine so if you want to fish it just send me the GPS cordanets of the ones you will be fishing and I will let you know if it's ok or not. LOL

Once sunk it belongs to the first person there until they leave.

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!

Originally Posted by Arkie John

The "code of conduct" on a public lake is "50 yards."
aj

I think it's more like 50 FEET :D .... but, some think that's too close, while others think that's too far.

Can't really say that I've ever had anyone barge in on a spot I was fishing. I have had them come & fish close by, and I've done the same, and no ill feelings were ever exhibited or verbalized. Maybe I just go when & where there's not alot of competition for space. Plus, I don't tie or anchor often, but usually am casting & moving ... so maybe my normal style, of constantly moving around & only spending a short while at one spot, is what has kept me from running into such situations.
I think, if I was to be confronted by someone claiming I was fishing in "their spot" ... I'd probably come down with a bad case of "hard of hearing"

Ya'll do know that there's a law against harrassment or obstruction of an angler/hunter, with the intent of keeping that person from lawful taking.
Here's a website with a partial list of states, their specific laws, and the possible punishment against the offender. hunter harassment laws

And while it's probably more for use against the "anti's" ... it could be righteously served against another sportsman. Some states list such action as a Class A or Class C misdemeanor ... but, some say you can recoup expenses for your whole trip if the person is found guilty of disturbing you, or the game you seek, with the intent of causing you to not be able to take that game, while you are lawfully engaged in that pursuit.
Something to think about, anyhoooo

... cp

You're welcome to fish over "mine" if you don't mind me fishing over "yours". I think some people can find "mine" easier than I can. Matter of fact there was a big yellow noodle marking one of "mine" the other day. If you do find them, good luck ,and I hope you catch a bunch of great biguns out of it:D

ps. Try to keep the gps coordinates a secret.

I think that would fall under ethics in some way. If I put it out I might crowd you just a little. Dont BOW up on me because you are reaping the benefits of my work .