Thread: Re: Fishing technique question (part deaux)

Simple reminder is to respect the traditions of the pier. Please don't request to have a shark or sting ray to be gaffed. Speaking up while alerting other anglers that they may be in the way. Follow your bait and be courtious of others around you. Keep you tackle area organized as to minimize injury. Have a safe visit to our waters and ask questions if you don't know.

I split this topic to maintain the integrity of the original question (about "bubble rigs" and straws)
http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...ique-question/
and because the points raised from here down IMHO deserved their own thread.

[quote author=Mercury Addict link=topic=1590.msg15142#msg15142 date=1342400730]
Simple reminder is to respect the traditions of the pier. Please don't request to have a shark or sting ray to be gaffed.
[/quote]

Or a remora. Even if you think it's a state record.

I have pier fished with my father over in Okaloosa when I was a child and several times later in my years. Earlier this year my husband and I finally had time in our schedules to head out with him to the pier for his annual pompano fishing trip before he and my mother head north for the summer. We all stayed mid pier and away from the main action at the end of the pier. We were mainly targeting pompano but during the down times when the Spanish were running we decided to fish for some of those. I was shocked that everyone was throwing lines on top of each other and we seemed to be some of the very few reeling in our lines when someone was trying to bring in a fish and helping other anglers. We don't plan on disrespecting or hindering anyone when they fish. My father normally guides us along and this is our first time fishing without him and his many, many, years of knowledge and experience. So we may be asking questions and we will not be trying to snag any sharks or rays.

Meauxpandlex---You are, unfortunately, correct about the lack of respect that some people show. Some of it is done out of ignorance, but some folks apparently don't give a spit. All we can do is try and set a good example. When we help each other out, more fish are landed and everybody has a better time. I hope you have an excellent experience at the pier this time.

Lately I have taken to netting some of the substantially large remoras, especially on light line.
I am that tired of rerigging after they break off while trying to handline one up. :
But I am doubly ashamed this takes a fellow fisherman away from their time fishing.
However there is an alterier motive involved besides not wanting to rerig a leader...
I try to engage the help of a 'walk on' passerby by asking them if they'd like to "help me" by fetching my net or holding the rod while I fetch the net.
Together we land the "sharksucker", "remora king", "remackerel" or whatever ya call it.
This often 'makes their day' and the kids and moms awe and squeal with delight and the dads revel in their new found fishing prowess.

Often they later return with rental tackle and a cup of frozen shrimp or squid in hand and commence to slay their own.
And since they are "good eating" and "taste like cobia" (chicken, filet mignon, etc.) they will haul them over to the cleaning table for a proper dismemberment.

It's a WIN-WIN-WIN situation all around for everyone (except the remoras of course


:yippee:

Seriously, you guys raise a good point about "respect for pier traditions and other anglers on the pier."
This is especially evident with the lack of casting technique or consideration exhibited by some folks and I couldn't agree more.
But I prefer the 'carrot-then-the-stik' approach.
The first time I don't say anything, just do whatever I have to get uncrossed. (it happens to us all)
The second time I'll say something like "Don't worry about it we all make mistakes."
The third time I'll suggest they throw straight out in front of them.
If they don't seem to understand or want to understand I simply explain (in a nice but firm tone) to them how their lack of consideration is affecting the other anglers. :spank:
I've found that 99.9% of folks don't want to be "that guy"

'Pier etiquitte' is not a set of rules and regulations but a state of mind that we all really want the same thing: to have a good time and hopefully catch fish.

A fish running 'down' the pier is a great example of the spirit of cooperation, or lack of it.
Most of the experienced king fishers on the end octi have this mastered to the point they don't even think about it, they just 'do it' out of habit.
The other day I thanked a king fisher for moving from a corner spot (without being asked) so I could get in there for a good shot with the gaff on a king.
He responded "Why?" (thank him)
Many folks would not have recognized that spirit of cooperation and camradrie, and that angler is even higher on my list of people than he already was. :yay:

I try to 'help' folks by sounding out as I'm coming down the rail with a running fish.
You see this very often along the straight part of the pier in the draw between the octagons.
As I approach each angler from the side I try to evaluate the situation from THEIR PERSPECTIVE and let them know what I would like for them do and calmly but firmly state that.
They seem to learn faster that way and when I come back by them I will often thank them or tell them how their cooperation helped me.

Human nature being what it is, most of us respond in kind depending on how we are treated.

You are absolutely right ! Nothing fosters cooperation than a simple Thank You or a helping hand .

I agree that a little diplomacy goes a long way!
I heard that the little dude that ran around yelling at everybody like he owns the pier was out there this weekend.
Not cool, people get po'd when they get yelled at and talked down to. IMHO

Since they taste like cobia, and are wearing a crown, we should call remoras "king cobia." :P

Pier#er, your words of wisdom and advice never cease to be short of amazing. :bow: Thank you for all that you share and the dignity you exhibit in pier fishing etiquette.

Which "little dude" are you referring to, SpliShot? There have been a few lately, but of course there's two in particular who sticks out from the rest. :slap: