Boating Rules/Right of Way vs Fleet Fishing Etiquette

So I know the boating rules for right of way but I usually give right of way even though I have right of way because I don't want to piss off guys in boats who could lay some hurt on a kayak. Also, fishing etiquette is different than right of way. So what do you guys do? What is the PB fishing etiquette?

The PB guys in Humboldt are so polite and helpful. The PB guys in Monterey can be complete jerks. Is etiquette a function of location or are there accepted rules? Thanks in advance.

Scott

I found that the other day at Bodega that all the PBers I encountered were polite and friendly. As was I. I would venture to say that it was a 50-50 wash for respecting each others right of way. I always give them room. Always. Its much easier to be nice than have a chip on your shoulder all day and be pissed off. It ruins the day for me. Its also so easy to do. Thanks, Scott. It sure was good to see you on Sunday.

Yeah Craig, I also give right of way because some of them were on a "dead stick" nobody at the helm.

I wave and say hi to everyone that looks at me, even the mean ones say hi!  I try to go with the flow and try not to interrupt anyone's troll.  There have been a few times when i had to move out of someones way, like a matador to a bull.

We have it very very good in Humboldt as far as the relationship between kayakers and PBers.

I always give way. The person with less to lose always has the right of way, whether on the road or on the water.

I generally give way to all boats if I can. Its much easier for us to turn or stop than for them. We have less lines out, less gear and we don't have to worry about our engine.

I try to give them room on the water and ALWAYS watch for lines. But when they don't give the same caution/respect in return, it makes me mad  . Its too easy to go over on a big wake and lose gear, even if you are careful.

I often go paddling (not as much for fishing) out on the Moke  river - and it's the jet skis that drive me nuts. I don't know how they can be safe out there (tons of stuff in the water that can't be seen) and they are annoying as heck. Nothing like enjoying the water and nature, when suddenly you smell burning oil and hear a lawn mover racing up over you.

Most of those on motorized crafts wave, smile, probably because they are trying to figure out what a lady is doing out on the water with all that gear on a kayak! 
But most are friendly and will talk, and at least give some space. I've had a few that didn't seem to see me (glare, sun) so it's important not to expect them to see you...always be ready to MOVE.

-Cherie

I found that the other day at Bodega that all the PBers I encountered were polite and friendly. As was I. I would venture to say that it was a 50-50 wash for respecting each others right of way. I always give them room. Always. Its much easier to be nice than have a chip on your shoulder all day and be pissed off. It ruins the day for me. Its also so easy to do. Thanks, Scott. It sure was good to see you on Sunday.

+1 on this.   

Last year a boat that I tried everything possible to get out of the way of crossed my lines and the guy acted like a complete dick.  I apologized, though it wasn't even remotely close to my fault, politely asked him to simply cut my line and return my tackle (he did).  No joke within 2 minutes of returning to trolling I hooked my PB salmon and landed it right in that boat's face.  Good karma goes a long way!

They are having the same discussions on their forums, like coastside. Seems to be a lot of newbs in power boats as well who don't know OTW etiquette. The common theme over there seems to be that while the whistle buoy off Bodega, for example, is a landmark, its not a landmark for salmon and no need for so many to huddle so close. Spreading out would avoid a lot of issues. We should keep in mind they read our forums as well, so hopefully we'll find a balance out there.

This is what got me home safe:

1) Wave, nod, or "Good morning!" to every boat within range of my pleasantry. This way they see you as a kind HUMAN BEING, not an obstacle. It also made things more fun when people started recognizing me and returning the pleasant vibe back my way.

2) CONSTANTLY keep an eye out, 360 degrees around you.

3) Assume boats can't see you, and react accordingly.

4) When in doubt about whether to give or take right of way, communicate. Call the boat out by name on your radio, and  figure it out.

5) If someone is fighting a fish, give them LOTS of room, even if it means reeling up and stopping for a minute. I witnessed a few tangles, and lets just say the F bombs were flying freely and no one enjoyed it.

Good luck out there, and stay safe!

Cheers,

~Alex

This is what got me home safe:

1) Wave, nod, or "Good morning!" to every boat within range of my pleasantry. This way they see you as a kind HUMAN BEING, not an obstacle. It also made things more fun when people started recognizing me and returning the pleasant vibe back my way.

2) CONSTANTLY keep an eye out, 360 degrees around you.

3) Assume boats can't see you, and react accordingly.

4) When in doubt about whether to give or take right of way, communicate. Call the boat out by name on your radio, and  figure it out.

5) If someone is fighting a fish, give them LOTS of room, even if it means reeling up and stopping for a minute. I witnessed a few tangles, and lets just say the F bombs were flying freely and no one enjoyed it.

Good luck out there, and stay safe!

Cheers,

~Alex

+1
That's the ticket right there...great advice Alex

My cousin back East in Booth Bay Maine says the lobster boats (lobster pots in booth bay are so thick, you can walk across the bay and never touch water), they refer to kayaks as speed bumps.  too many tourists getting in their way of making a living.  The problem is not unique to the west coast.