[;)] I have fished derbies where people are setting up tent on the good areas in the channels 12-15 feet from each other and never said a bad word to each other, even if it was a huge reservior, and I have never snagged up with someone in another tent. The Devils creek derby was where my incident happened, and that is not a big reservior. This guy left his gear on the ice in a sled and was pissed off when he showed up and my gear was set up 30 ft away from where he left his sled. Far enough that I could not have snagged up with him uless I hooked a fish double the size of anything in that pond. He wanted 30 - 40 yrds. Threatened to cut the anchor ropes to my tent and everything. I have to say though, this was only the second negative experience I have had out ice fishing in all my years. One time I had two guys come up to me with the fish and game because I was catching lots of fish a Danelles and they accused me of using bait. Although they were kind of jerks, I gave them two of my hand painted jigs I was using. Otherwise I make new friends out on the ice on a regular basis and group up with them on occassion to enjoy our love of the sport together 
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Ice fishing is more than just fishing.. The people you meet, it’s almost as if we are all part of a community. We help each other. Give tips, bait and hard times to one another. But in the end. It’s a good time.
[;)] Like I said, only two bad events over how many years ??? How many Friends have I Made … Wow… Love the sport and the people I meet.
Ethics Questions.
Do not go up by or fish The Salmon. If you are trying to figure out Ethics.( combat fishing). Stand in straight line, wait for your cast. Or, Fish on…
No one owns the waters under you, but fish.
Idaho
Being a bank fisherman myself.. I realized early on, it takes a whole other breed of person. Those people on those stretches of the river… Some meditation could help some of these guys. Maybe count to ten? or something.
I throw Ethics out the window when I am fishing the Salmon. Never bring a knife to a gun fight. [angelic]
Most the guys are way cool. Ice fishing is the same.
Heck, if I see them reeling a bunch fish. I ask them if I can help.
No one really owns a spot. It just is a lot easier to get along.
Idaho
Public water means public water… As long as you are far enough away to not tangle lines, etc it should be good enough. To expect 50 yds is totally ridiculous, ignorant and selfish. I truly feel sorry for those types…
How close is to close . When still fishing in my boat I have had people watch us catch a few fish and move over and park right on top of the spot we are catching them . I dont own the lake but I have a right to expext some ethical behavior .
Agreed… There is a definite difference between "next to " and “on top of”… My previous post was an attempt to voice my opinion of tolerating the “next to” behaviors, not the ones that go with an “on top of” or the “stay 50 yds away from me” attitudes.
There is plenty of room out there for all of us to be able to enjoy the sport that we love without ruining someone else’s experience… That is unless you are fishing the Kenai and the reds are running! [;)]
Merry Christmas everyone!
Sad thing is you have to look at both sides of the coin. I mean I am sure many get on the ice(or open water or even river) and smiling from ear too ear that they got JUST the spot you wanted and all to yourself.
After a little while here come more. They could be 20 to 50 yards away and just nailing fish right and left. This wouldn’t bother you just a little knowing you too could have had that spot? Maybe even try moving a little closer as the fish do seem to be concentrated?
It is human nature to get a little green, even an article in one of my magazines about this.
All we can do is try to remember…“what goes around, comes around” or “Do unto others…”
As you know I usually share more information than I should . I am more than willing to do what I can to help people catch fish . If there are kids involved I will go the extra mile sharing equipment , bait and technique . I don, t mind people asking to ice fish near me , I love the company . But if someone walks up without asking and says I did real well here two days ago and think they still own the spot and start drilling holes 10 feet out from mine in a circle so that all the fish coming into the area have to pass there bait first . That bothers me . If I wanted to move to where someone is doing better , I would ask for permission and where and how far away would make them comfortable . Some times they say they would prefer I didn’t . But most of the time they invite me to fish with them . Just use the Golden Rule .
Just saying Curt as many have said already, no one OWNS the spot, so that guy could indeed walk up and drill 10’ away. You being a great and friendly, sharing guy could not stop him and it would bother you whether you choose to say something or not.
Common sense is a must, but sadly, that is where many are lacking.
Courtesy can be learned, but honestly, I think the lack of common sense is in a lot of cases mistaken for lack of courtesy.
Everyone here seems to be a sweet as sugar and I have received numerous invites so I say most here are the perfect answer.
In the same breath, posting your great outing and expecting to go back to the same results is greatly effected (and not always in a good way) by “helping” others. On the forums you are not just helping these perfect fellow anglers, you are helping all the lurkers that might not share.
I agree and have started using mostly pm’s and being more selective on what I share on the open forum . 10 percent of the fishermen catch 90 percent of the fish . Just because you have the information , don’t mean you know how to use it .
Very true,
I might publicly hotspot a general area, but it takes a pm to get grid cords, that way if your in my “spot” we’ll know each other. There is always room at my fire.
[;)] This is exactly how I feel. Most fish go down or to the side only so far when ice fishing. People that want 30 yrds on the ice… your not casting guys… be real !!!