Help! How do you place a marker buoy?

[Crappie Herder]

Though I don’t own a boat, I have rented boats for fishing trips and family vacations for over 40 years. When I go fishing with my fishing buddy, Bubba, in his boat, he always drops the marker buoy directly on top of the structure we are going to fish. Sometimes these structure are relatively small (8’X8’ crib, 12’ circumfrnc. rock pile, or bend in creek channel, etc.), limiting the area atop, behind, and in front of the structure where you can cast. We end up only fishing the sides of the structure. One of us, (usually me) ends up snagging the buoy line on every fishing trip. This drives me crazy.

I contend that if you place the marker buoy 10-15 yds (2 boat lengths) to the leeward of the structure (side opposite of the direction from which the wind is blowing), then position about 30 yds (5-6 boat lengths or, so) to the windward of the buoy, then you are able to cast the whole structure, with diagonal cross casts, too, covering more fish holding area without fouling the buoy line.

One day when I brought this up, again, while fishing with my two fishing buddies (both experienced fishermen/boat handlers) they just brushed it off like, “How dare you? This is the way we have always done it, this is the way it’s done.” Blasphemy! I did not learn my method from a YouTube Video, or Infisherman episode; but at the College of Hard Knocks. Who is right? How do you do it? I’m talking about casting, not vertical jigging. It makes even more sense to me when trolling.

“I’m going crazy out there at the lake.” – Mr. Mohra, Fargo
I’m about ready to throw myself in the wood chipper, eh? : ) Thanks for any replies. I will respect your knowledge/opinion even if it differs from mine.

[DockShootinJack]

Be hard to get them to change the way they do it. With depth finders and electronics as they are these days you rarely see bouys out any more. Generally speaking the ship captain usually gets to pick where the bouy is placed when one is used.

[Ketchn]

always just tossed mine out and hoped it was close and then tried my best to fish "around" it to find the sweet spot , it is often mind boggling how far off a buoy can be from the actual structure it was intended to mark.

[Crappie Herder]

Thanks DSJ,

Trolling motors with auto pilot/spot lock would make it a moot point, I suppose. And, one reason I don't press it, too much, is I don't want to appear ungrateful to Captn. Bubba for taking me out. I sure appreciate it.

But it is like being invited over to a friends house for a steak dinner, and finding him cooking it on a candle. Wouldn't you show him the grill in the backyard and how to use it?

Thanks again

[DockShootinJack]

Folks are set in their ways for sure. At times I resemble that statement as well. Everyone believes their way is best. Takes an open mind to accept change.

[Crappie Herder]

... it is often mind boggling how far off a buoy can be from the actual structure it was intended to mark.

Ain't that a universal truth.

Thanks, Ketchn

[Crappie Herder]

Folks are set in their ways for sure. At times I resemble that statement as well. Everyone believes their way is best. Takes an open mind to accept change.

Yeah, and I've been wrong before, so my wife tells me. That's why I put it out there. I believe most folks do it like my fishin' buddies. Been out with guides who toss atop the structure. There's sure a possibility I'm not seeing all the angles.

[DockShootinJack]

I like to disturb the structure the least amount that I can. Especially on areas with high fishing pressure.

[tnduxcaller]

This is exactly why I am trying to buy another boat. I fish with a lot of people and am grateful for them. With one of my friends it is his way or not. Same ole' holes every time. Never will try a new place.

[rnvinc]

Throwing the buoy upwind of the structure allows repositioning of the boat downwind of the structure ... without the buoy being in the way ...

Rickie