Thread: Inconsiderate boat operators--how should they be dealt with?

It seems the days of respect or self respect are long behind us in most cases. I spend a lot of time on the water here on Lake Barkley, both fishing and on my Pontoon, trying to relax. I have seen everything mentioned here on this thread. I seen boats on Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day weekends running probably upward of 75 mph or maybe even faster right through the middle pontoons anchored with kids and family's on floats, someone is going to get hurt or killed, intentionally or in-intentionally. Not sure why these guys are so arrogant, I guess it makes them feel manly when they can run a 100 mph. Anyhow, cannot fix stupid, I wish we could, just don't know why you would want to place another person's life at risk.

Blasting by within 20' would definitely be considered reckless operation and some very serious charges.
It might even be considered wanton endangerment.
You would need a go pro running to have a chance of indenrification.
You can be held liable for damage caused by your wake.
If you can get a picture for identification file charges and claim it caused you to drop 2 of your most expensive rods overboard.

I had jet skiers make repeated passes by my planer boards, the last guy saw the splash of the 3oz egg sinker a foot off his elbow and got the message.

I remember the day when no one would throw a wake on a fisherman, too crowded today for that but I do try to stay as far away as possible.

Oh, about carrying a gun .
Illegal to possess a firearm on COE property except during hunting season

Not worth it. Times are different these days. Best to avoid the trouble if possible but be ready if it does come at you. I am.

Originally Posted by armyman

Skeet, the go pros are a great idea, but not everybody can afford those things. What about cell phone videos, if you see an unsafe act on the water, or about to be buzzed.....is that good evidence? Everybody has a cell phone these days. I'm thinking about trying that.

I said go pro as an example for a few reasons. There is every kind of mount and fitting available everywhere for them, and their batteries last a respectable time as best I can gather. I see other options available and should I look for a setup for my boat such as Dux uses for the reason he uses it, I would like to have a hard wired to a larger power source, a larger memory card than most folks would want, and most of all---waterproof. My thinking is; what good is a camera if the battery needs tended, or is dead and not working when you need it most. Or the memory is full. It's purpose is to protect your livelihood and customers safety. As far as price, what would be the price of your livelihood?


I also have to say that for the past 27 years I have made a living looking at people doing some really stupid things through a windshield. Nothing comes as a surprise to me when someone is holding a steering wheel, or supposed to be holding one. Not a day goes by that is without incident. Thankfully, I have been able to avoid involvement with all but a very few, and those at very low speed.

I find the DNR very responsive to wreck-less driving complaints. Phone it in and tell them you want to fill a complaint. Mention something about drugs or alcohol and you could get immediate action. No doubt this isn't the idiots one and only time buzzing by at dangerous speeds and distances.

Most of us have had similar things happen to us ..... I think the Go-Pro would be a good investment for someone who is on the water as a business .... it might actually take more than one to capture more of what is going on.

My brother drives an 18 wheeler and has a dash cam going anytime the rig is moving. A guy screamed onto the interstate on an on ramp and caused a multiple vehicle accident which included my brother's rig. The guy then proceeded to to try and blame the accident on my brother. The dash cam provided the truth of what happened and the guy who should have gotten the ticket did get the ticket.

If I could provide video proof of one of these idiots operating their boat in a dangerous manner I would have no reservations in doing it.

I was nearly killed by a drunk driver several years ago. Since then I have called 911 while traveling on a number of occasions to report erratic drivers ... and have been rewarded by seeing some of them pulled over.

Originally Posted by Tsnell

I've often thought about getting a paint ball gun and giving that 80k Ranger a new paint job!!

That's what I'm talking about. It would look good pink and yellow

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