What To Do When Someone Steals Your Spot? 2024
lfunk11 reply :
I was fishing from the bank tonight and was catching a decent number of bass casting right along the grass along the shore. There was a family fishing with a mom, dad, two kids, and a grandpa. They looked to be fishing for panfish with bobbers. Well the kids kept telling their dad everytime I caught a fish and I am not sure if he was trying to fish for things other than panfish, but they were not catching anything. One bass I caught had the hook down deep a little bit and I left my pliers at my truck that was parked down by the boat launch. Mind you this is in clear view of where they were fishing since its a small lake. I started to walk back to the truck thinking that they might try to come over to where I was, but thought they wouldn't do that. I got back to my truck and turn around and sure enough they were all walking over to where I was and throwing out their bobbers. I got the fish back in the water and walked back that way, but decided not to say anything and fished near them, but couldn't fish where I was without casing at/over them.
So do I say something in the future? I did leave where I was, but there was myself and this family at the lake. That was it. Kind of irked me a bit.
hookingem reply :
1oz sinker on their front deck... 
:lol: :lol: but on a real note in a public lake I hate the saying my spot.
ripinthem reply :
I have a worse story. I took a guy, and we caught em pretty good. He then brings all his friends, and shows them the spots, and baits. Lost all my spots. Didn't talk to the guy for 2 years, until fate put us together. Was a life threatening-type thing, and I basically saved his life. Guy eventually appoligizes, and said he'd changed and wouldn't do it again, and would love to go again. Did the same thing, caught him on my new spot with 3 guys he worked with, after I took him the day before. They disbanded, and denied they were fishing there. Guy with him later tells me the whole story, and they didn't know it till I was at the landing, and they were all told to scram. When I got in from fishing, they put worms and trash on my hood, and they melted into one nice cow pattie. Had to go to the Sheriff, and get him involved. Now, they just watch me, and I fish paranoid. Crazy to have to be packing to fish, but there are scoundrels out there that will screw you for a fish, in a heartbeat!
grimlin reply :
On 8/6/2011 at 10:28 AM, lfunk11 said:I was fishing from the bank tonight and was catching a decent number of bass casting right along the grass along the shore. There was a family fishing with a mom, dad, two kids, and a grandpa. They looked to be fishing for panfish with bobbers. Well the kids kept telling their dad everytime I caught a fish and I am not sure if he was trying to fish for things other than panfish, but they were not catching anything. One bass I caught had the hook down deep a little bit and I left my pliers at my truck that was parked down by the boat launch. Mind you this is in clear view of where they were fishing since its a small lake. I started to walk back to the truck thinking that they might try to come over to where I was, but thought they wouldn't do that. I got back to my truck and turn around and sure enough they were all walking over to where I was and throwing out their bobbers. I got the fish back in the water and walked back that way, but decided not to say anything and fished near them, but couldn't fish where I was without casing at/over them.
So do I say something in the future? I did leave where I was, but there was myself and this family at the lake. That was it. Kind of irked me a bit.
Just leave...come back in another hour or so and they will be gone probably.It happens all the time with me. I however have multiple spots where I can catch fish. So I just move on down.
It used to bother me awhile back. It don't no more.While I still hate it when it happens,I usually start being a Smart act and say "Oh well,Looks like I caught all the fish,Good luck."
You'd be surprise how stupid people fall for that...LOL.
dhami013 reply :
Fight their whole family. It's really only the logical thing to do.
Jim McC reply :
Your spot? Do you own the lake also? 
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/6/2011 at 1:06 PM, Jim McC said:Your spot? Do you own the lake also?
^That sucks, but it's true. There isn't any laws, at least around here, that say someone can't fish right on top of you on public water. Is it rude and wrong? Oh yea! but people still do it. You could try talking to them about it but they'll probably just look at you like you're and idiot and keep fishing. I'd probably walk over to where they were just fishing and start catching fish there instead.
SirSnookalot reply :
If it's a public area it's open for anyone to fish. I have had those things happen to me many times and I honestly I didn't like it either, but my best option is just fish elsewhere. Is it really worth the hassle to create a scene over a fish? Also the last thing I would want to do is embarass any parents in front of their kids.
lfunk11 reply :
people just annoy me sometimes 
If I am with my family and there is one other guy fishing at a lake I am not going to run over to where he was the minute he leaves to do something.
MichBassMan reply :
Generally I just move on and hope the family, espesially the kids have fun fishing together.
tomustang reply :
On 8/6/2011 at 1:44 PM, Bluebasser86 said:^That sucks, but it's true. There isn't any laws, at least around here, that say someone can't fish right on top of you on public water. Is it rude and wrong? Oh yea! but people still do it. You could try talking to them about it but they'll probably just look at you like you're and idiot and keep fishing. I'd probably walk over to where they were just fishing and start catching fish there instead.
Well he did leave the spot, can't fish on top if he's not there
I do have that problem with boaters riding in my casting zone, like they own the whole lake, and I'm taking about only a few feet off the bank
Grey Wolf reply :
Lifes tough some days but your day doesn't qualify. 
Fishing Rhino reply :
The lesson to be learned is to take all your necessary gear with you. Pliers/forceps/hematats should be at the top of your list. Having to return to your vehicle for instruments that can save the life of a fish increases the risk of the fish not making it.
Consider the interlopers, thoughtless and rude though they may be, as the price you had to pay for your negligence of leaving your pliers behind.
If you thought you were aggravated, think how the fish felt. Puts an entirely different perspective on the incident.
Blue Streak reply :
I am sure they did not have a clue that what they did was not the proper thing to do and I bet they could fish there all day and not catch a fish.
Alpster reply :
Show them how you caught your fish and share your baits. You not only get to go back to fishing your spot, but you are a hero to the whole family.
Ronnie
kms399 reply :
it would depend on the attitude of the family, if they were like screw him he walked away too bad I would maybe decide to go swimming right there before I left. If I came back and they were like, oh sorry we thought your were leaving and were decent people I would offer to show them what I was doing and move on.
CoBass reply :
In that situation I probably would have handled in the way you did because of the kids. I had a similar situation whith a guy who even though I didn't leave, he kept moving closer and casting his bobber closer every time I caught a fish until he was practically on top of me. His bobber somehow managed to crack in half and sink when it got hit by a half ounce rattletrap. Not sure how that happened, I'm usually much more accurate with my casting...lol. After his second bobber sank to the bottom, he got the hint and moved back to where he started.
Diggy reply :
Bring a gator with your and leave it leashed near your fishing area
grimlin reply :
On 8/7/2011 at 1:48 AM, Alpster said:Show them how you caught your fish and share your baits. You not only get to go back to fishing your spot, but you are a hero to the whole family.
Ronnie
You really have to be careful doing that. I did that with crappie bite one day where I was casting and got hit on every single cast.Helped a family out and they cleaned out the entire school of them.They even called their buddies to come help them do it.
Before I realize what I just did it was too late. Even told them exactly what lure I was using and everything.Big Mistake!
I have never been on another crappie bite like that again. To be honest I never caught another crappie around that area since that day. I feel sick even thinking about this right now to be honest.
lfunk11 reply :
if they asked I would have helped, but I was literally casting withing a foot of the grass to catch the fish. I am still new to all of this, but it was a hard cast. If I got it 3-4' out from that then no bite and any closer I was dragging it out of the grass.
Fishes in trees reply :
The first thing, remember that it isn't your spot. You don't own the lake. You should behave yourself. Don't fire up your big moor and spin around several times at 1000-1500 rpms prior to leaving. Don't do that. Don't reach into your rod locker and pull out the stainless steel 12 guage pump. Don't do that.
Sometimes I'll talk, saying something like "I caught several fish from that spot, lets see what you can do." Then I'll back off quietly on trolling motor power, bust out a barley pop and watch for a while. I don't think being confrontational really helps in this situation.
new2BC4bass reply :
Guess you've never been to Pulaski salmon fishing. It can be shoulder to shoulder, and someone will still squeeze in between you and the next guy, and throw his lure over top of yours. I walked away. Went to a less crowded spot. Never did go back to Pulaski as I can't stand that type of fishing. Not referring to salmon fishing, but to the crowds.
LuckyHandsINC. reply :
On 8/6/2011 at 12:42 PM, dhami013 said:Fight their whole family. It's really only the logical thing to do.
That's awesome. Gotta love a good idea lol.
Jim McC reply :
On 8/8/2011 at 3:34 AM, NYBASSIN36 said:That's awesome. Gotta love a good idea lol.
And if you lose the fight, on the way out flatten all 4 of their tires.
Locked reply :
I was fishing a 40 acre lake by myself. When I say "by myself" I don't mean I went fishing alone. I mean I was the only person on the lake. About an hour in, a Grandfather and his grandson snuck up on me and started fishing on top of me. All three of us were in a 10 square foot area together on a peninsula. Well.. the kid had to be about 5 years old so I figure whatever, I'll let him catch fish before me. After fishing for maybe 5 or 10 mins I decide to move because of how obnoxiously close they were to me. I had my other rods sitting on a picnic bench, and guess where their tackle box is. THAT IS RIGHT! The genius decided to put his tackle box on the rod tips. I gently moved his tackle box, all the while fighting the urge to throw it at his head, and moved down the shore some. I know it would've been a lot easier to put that guy to sleep and throw his tackle into the water, but it wouldn't be right.
Sam reply :
Lfunk, when growing up in New Orleans we fished the Audubon Park Lagoon.
If someone took one of our favorite spots we would take our sling shots and launch cherry bombs into the water in front of them.
It worked.
We would then have to run home to hide and wait for the police to go away if they showed up.
It was great being a vandal when growing up!!!!
MuffinMan reply :
On 8/7/2011 at 10:00 AM, Diggy said:Bring a gator with your and leave it leashed near your fishing area
Haha great idea! Eat a burrito and let it rip! they are sure to leave then!
brushhoggin reply :
take off all your clothes and start fishing naked like everything is normal, they'll leave... works every time. obviously it's not illegal to fish on top of other fishermen, but it's kinda like the bro code. its not illegal to date a good friend's ex, but it violates the bro code. we'd all like to think it should just be understood. however, are you sure that when you went to your truck, that they didn't move in on your spot cause they thought you were leaving? jusayin'
tate reply :
Ya know we all enjoy the relaxation we get from fishing so I try not to let the knuckleheads bug me. A couple weeks ago we are on a 500+ acre lake .... my wife and I are fishing from our boat casting to a very close shoreline probably 30-40' out. Along comes six kayaker's, four go around behind us but two continue right through where we were casting and ran right over my line and lure. He could clearly see us casting but that didn't matter to him. So refusing to get mad and perhaps cast a giant triple treble hook lure his way and maybe catch the stupid hat he had on I said to him in a nice way "that I can't believe you are actually going through right in front of where we are casting" he looked at me with some confused look. I told him that if I were under way that I would have extended him the courtesy and made sure I slowed to a point of no wake and suggested that perhaps he should extend courtesy to the other folks sharing the lake with him. Complete knucklehead. Is there a "fishermen's etiquette" for this kind of stuff?
Mottfia reply :
Alpster is definitely right about this one. If only for the kids it would be a great benefit and would save yourself from being upset all day over a small fishing hole. remember that day will probably be just another fishing day for you but could be a one of the best days of that kids life.
Mottfia
J Francho reply :
I fish some very crowded river banks for trout in the winter. It's bad form to edge in on someone that was obviously staked out on a spot. The notion that you don't own the lake, and anyone can fish that spot is silly. Imagine if we drove on the freeway like that? Some guys don't know this, and the fact that he had kids with him was an opportunity to politely educate him. After that, I'd invite him and his boys over and spread them out a bit, and try to put them on some fish. When you correct someone, you have to make a positive experience, otherwise they won't listen.
lfunk11 reply :
all good thoughts. I like the idea of chucking cherry bombs where they are - at least they might get their load of fish
Catt reply :
On 8/7/2011 at 1:48 AM, Alpster said:Show them how you caught your fish and share your baits. You not only get to go back to fishing your spot, but you are a hero to the whole family.
Ronnie
X2 
Midnight Splash2 reply :
Chooot Em Lizbeth!!! Chooot Em!!!
Eriewormer reply :
I would go to the exact spot they were fishing before taking yours. Then Lord willing show em its not the spot that was the problem.
Ratherbfishing reply :
Unless you leave some property where you are (tacklebox, jacket, etc) and inform them that you'll be right back, they can't know your intention of returning. If you do these things, and they invade it anyway, I think it's fair to confront them. No child is too young to witness their folks being reproached-assuming, again, that it's done appropriately.
Bigtimezonafan reply :
On 8/6/2011 at 12:42 PM, dhami013 said:Fight their whole family. It's really only the logical thing to do.
definitely
MuffinMan reply :
haha funniest thing ive heard in days
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