Barry's Tips

Proper Boating Etiquette

How many times have you been fishing and nearly got swamped by another boat; or another boat ran between you and the area you are fishing, like a point or bank. Well this is just wrong!

I know there are a lot more boats on the lakes today, but there is plenty of water out there for whatever you want to do, without messing up the men and women who just want to fish. It has gotten so bad that I fish creeks and sloughs just to get a little peace. Sometimes that ain’t the place I want to be fishing, but at least I know I don’t have to look over my shoulder every few seconds to see if I am going to get run over or swamped.> I don’t want anybody to get offended by this, but hey if you don’t know how to conduct yourself on the water you do not need a boat. I have been fishing when there was only a handful of boats on the water, and some fool will pass by so close I can tell you their eye color! I guess I am just venting in these tips and everyone has the right to be on the water and do whatever you want to do, but all it takes is a little common sense.

Now for my Tips

If you are out to ride, ski, sight-see, whatever - just pay attention to other boaters and swing out a little further or if you are in tight areas like sloughs or creeks, idle by - it only takes a second longer. And it will be greatly appreciated.

Pay close attention to the guy or girl out in a small aluminum boat with nothing but a small motor or just a trolling motor. These folks are very vulnerable to being swamped or even capsized.

Of course my favorite is the SeaDoo. Some of these boaters have no respect for anybody and think they can go anywhere. I just hope they never will be able to ride at night because I fish a lot at night to get away from them. So if you own one please have fun, but stay away from the fishermen. There is enough water out there for all of us - so don't be foolish.

You also have to take in to consideration if you are fishing, that if someone is out there skiing or whatever don’t try to take their space either. Give them the same courtesy we fishermen expect.

One last thing, if you fish or play at night always keep your lights on. There is no sense running 70 miles an hour, it is just not safe. If you feel compelled to run that fast at night do it in the middle of the lake. I do fish tournaments at night and I do run fast, but if I get into a dangerous area and can’t see well, I SLOW DOWN! I almost ran over another tournament fisherman when they turned their lights off because they did not want anybody to know they were fishing there. STUPID.

Like I said use good common sense, be courteous and be SAFE.

See you on the lake!

Barry Brasher

Email me at barry@bamabassfishing.com.

FLW Fantasy Fishing!

Chapter 2 is in the books and Table Rock Lake was won by Anthony Gagliardi of Prosperity, SC. And look at this - a 68 year old retiree from St. Augustine, FL won first place in the Fantasy Fishing game! Another cool $100,000 in his bank account!

Next up is Lake Norman near Charlotte, NC. Get your picks in and remember this tournament is worth double points.

FLW has announced a potential $10 million in cash and prizes to be given away.
And entering is free!

Go to FLW Fantasy Fishing! to find out all about it. After you register, be sure to join the
Bama Bass Fishing League so we can follow everyone's progress. Its lots of fun and
you could be the next Fantasy Fishing millionaire!

To join the Bama Bass Fishing League use this information:

League Id: 14611
Password: showmethemoney!

Watch this video for the 2008 Winners' presentation!

Want to better your chances of winning? Then sign up for Players Advantage. You will have access to extensive information available only to Players Advantage members. Click here or click on the image below to sign up. And the cost this year is only $10!

Just another reminder to visit our new BBF Store!

We have partnered with some of the biggest names in fishing and created an online store where you can shop for anything you might need in the way of tackle, lures, books - even boats! All of these items are things you will buy anyway - but now you can shop in one place and help support your favorite bass fishing site! Granted we only get a tiny commission off everything you buy, but this will help us continue to improve the site and bring you all the information you need for bass fishing in Alabama. And best of all - we have the best prices on the web and it won't cost you a dime more!

Visit the BBF Store and let us know what you think. And when you "go shopping" for that new rod and reel or subscribe to a new magazine, remember to start your trip in the BBF Store. Barry and I will thank you and will continue to bring you new information to the site.

Thanks again,

Ed

Diamond Devils Charity Fishing Tournament

Show your support of a good cause and have a great time on April 18, 2009. Click here for all the details.

'Til Next Time, Happy Fishin'!