Thread: Courtesy of Fishing Next to Someone That's Got a Bite?

Like I reported in the fishing report for yesterday; I only saw one guy get a hot bite. He was catching mangrove snappers on the Octi and had some room on the rail. I was surprised noone moved in next to him. Earlier this year there was a hot sheepshead bite but only on a single rail of the Octi, I didn't shoulder in even though I was really tempted.

What are y'all's thoughts or what's the unwritten rule about getting in on a hot bite like that? I really hate to be perceived as "that guy'" I'd rather not catch fish.

You paid your price just like he did to be there. I'm not saying get right on top of him, but the fish do mill around those pilings-you can get somewhat close to the bite.

Some people will make a big deal about getting to close, most do not. Just be friendly.

Catching mangroves is as much about bait and presentation than location. If you don't have either just right you can fish next to that guy all day and not catch a single one.
Better to see what bait he is using and how and then try to duplicate on the next set if pilings.

You can always ask, "Is there enough room for me to squeeze in there?" It always pisses me off when two or three guys (usually buddies) will put out two rods each and try to seal off a choice section of the rail. Of course, if you bring enough donuts, you may well get invited in on the good spots. I'm referring mostly to sheepshead fishing here. Otherwise, the fish move around enough that you will seldom need to fish a single spot to catch them---just get somewhere nearby like, the east or west side of the octi, etc. You don't need to yell "In the pit," and muscle in where there are already three snobblers on the SE corner of the octi.

The thing that 'grinds my gears' is the lil old lady that will cast across 6-7 other fishermen and land right on top of your line, because she saw you catch a couple of croaker or spot. The end result is usually a tangled mess involving 3-4 lines.
Otherwise as mentioned, you pay you get to play, just don't be stupid or rude about it.

Originally Posted by witler

The thing that 'grinds my gears' is the lil old lady that will cast across 6-7 other fishermen and land right on top of your line, because she saw you catch a couple of croaker or spot. The end result is usually a tangled mess involving 3-4 lines.
Otherwise as mentioned, you pay you get to play, just don't be stupid or rude about it.

i had a good size king on couple months ago and a lady through walked up through over me and then got her line wrapped around end of my pole so i couldn't reel , all i could do was laugh about that timing

Thanks y'all. I try my damndest to not googan up my general area when I'm down there. Now I know the proper way to get in on a bite.

When the bite is Hot and the rail is shoulder to shoulder then any spot you can fit your shoulders into is fair game.
When the bite is Hot and Very Localized, a particular piling or two with Sheepshead, then it is IMO rude to takeover the very spot a man was standing in if he vacates for a moment, e.g. to grab another live bait from his bucket.
Same with taking care of a fish and getting it into the cooler. But if they're lollygagging, start a conversation with a buddy or has to grab a sabiki and go catch one, his spot is FCFS.

I like to fish with a friend or two, they can hold your spot.
Also if you're just grabbing a bait, don't be afraid to lean your rod on the railing, especially if you've a buddy to watch it. But never for more than a minute.

As for any other time, like the guy catching Mangroves.
Then a little personal space is expected, two feet of rail would be polite IMO.

I know I've been guilty of infringing into others space, but I try not to.