Respect all round

 A little bit of good etiquette goes a long way.

As we head into the silly season and a very busy time on and off the water, now is as good a time as any to revisit this topic about etiquette on the water.

Before I even get started let’s be clear this is not an article intended to single anyone, or any group out and is not to paint anyone in a bad light. It is to educate and inform. Yes there are idiots out there and mostly they are incurable so we not really talking to them. Nature will take its course with those guys. And the idiots are across the board. We can’t say those kayak fishermen are cowboys, or those Jet Ski guys don’t give a crap, or those Ski Boaters just do what they like. Generalising does no good. It is the individual angler that errs in his ways. I say HIS, because female anglers have better manners full stop and I have yet to come across a lady angler who behaves like a Neanderthal. Not to say it doesn’t happen. I just haven’t heard of it, or encountered it.

So on that note it is safe to say that bravado and testosterone often play a part in kak behaviour. However, a large proportion of behaving like a ‘poepol’ comes from pure and simple ignorance. Hopefully this piece will put that to bed for some.

And no facet is innocent. Kayaks, Jet Ski, Ski Boat. We all do stupid things that annoy each other so let’s go over a few of those basic annoying habits.

Kayaks. Being the least regulated of the offshore facets these guys tend to sometimes have a disregard for basic rules especially when launching at a launch site. So here are some tips. Do NOT launch in the zone that the ski boats and Jet Skis are busy launching in. Do NOT just pitch up to a launch site, and push in front of boats and Jet Skis about to launch. DO assist the guys if they need a push. It builds good relationships, especially if they a bit short staffed. Do NOT drive your cab onto the beach and offload your kayak if you are not authorised to do so. DO greet the club locals and ask how they doing. DO ask where they would prefer you to push in your kayak. Remember a kayak is a lot easier to handle, it is lighter and if you come off you are not going to potentially face a huge repair bill. When coming in to beach pay attention to power vessels looking to come in. You are much more likely to come off in the surf zone and are then posing a potential hazard to the power vessels coming into the same area. Out on the water- don’t let out a live bait right on the bait mark as you get out there and take up the whole area. Keep that livie close to your ski, until you are out the bait area, or until the area is mostly clear of other vessels. And when using an official launch show respect. For example ask if you can use the tap water and hoses, and don’t take the piss when doing so. And say thanks when done. Remember the Ski Boaters and Jet Ski anglers pay their subs for the upkeep of those sites.

Jet Skis. Don’t buzz right up to kayak fishermen, or your feloow Jet Skiers and boaters for that matter, when they are fishing and ask them what is happening. It is all well and good being friendly on the water but no need for such close proximity. And don’t come belting straight into the middle of a baitball getting smashed. You are going to scare everything away and then no one gets a fish. If you see a baitball getting smashed approach with a bit of finesse. Come in toward the side of it and then cast your lures. And don’t go hauling ass through all the nearby vessels to get there. Kayaks have the luxury of directing their craft straight through a feeding frenzy because they are silent. Motorised craft don’t have that luxury, just live with it.

Ski Boats. As per above. And also don’t come belting past a kayak as close as you can on your way to your favourite mark. If a kayak is unwittingly in your path, just make a wide berth. It’s not funny making a huge wake just because you don’t want to divert slightly off course. Remember the rule of the sea is that motorised vessels are to always give way to non-motorised. There is good reason for it so adhere to it. And please, if you see a kayaker in trouble assist them. Don’t just leave them out there. I have heard too many stories of kayakers in distress being totally ignored by Ski Boats.

For both Ski Boats and Jet Skis be as safe as possible on the water when in vicinity of other craft. Pass other vessels at a safe speed and with good distance between you.
This is just a few examples. At the end of the day we are all looking to enjoy our sport on the same playing ground. Respect others and you can expect that respect back. Don’t be a tool. Everyone makes mistakes. Say sorry if you do, and if you are able to, buy a beer for someone you may have accidentally pissed off by mistake. And always help each other if you can. The ocean will be a better place and there will be lot less moaning on WhatsApp groups.

Remember its Lekker to be lekker, always. It just makes fishing more lekker, and the world more lekker.