Party Boat Etiquette Q / Rhode Island Report

[VinoGuy]

First time this has happened to me so wanted to post to see what the site's opinion was.

Fished a NS out of Rhode Island this afternoon. Boat was late in docking from their morning trip and as a result, when boarding just before 1pm, there was a mad scramble of 30 fares getting on. Many of the regulars handed rods to the mates and wound up in bow / pulpit area (totally fine - no issue there).

The captain wanted to fish all on one side which resulted in 30 fares basically side by side from bow all the way down to stern. I wound up mid bow in crammed between a group of three serious fisherman to my left and three rental rods to my right which with the current running all over the place, resulted in massive tangles on the first three drifts.

Here are the two q's:

A) Any issues with asking the mate to move to the other side and be the lone fisherman going under the boat?

B) Would you try to fish heavier lead than the "norm" to avoid tangling on the other side?

I did both of the above, although on the first few drifts, tangled a few of the "regulars" resulting in some grumbling. Then moved to a 10 oz and subsequent 12 oz lead (when guys were using 6 and 8 oz lead) and no more tangles. Two other guys also tired of the tangles on the starboard side and wound up joining me on port side by the end of the day for a bunch of drifts.

Fishing was West of Block Island in 60-100' of water. Slow for much of the afternoon until incoming tide got us on a few nice drifts. High hook had 5 keepers - I wound up with 3 (and outfished the "grumblers" :D ) and pool was around 5 Lbs.

Thanks for any thoughts on above.

-VinoGuy

[frugalfisherman]

I do it sometimes on the J2. I would imagine most boats wouldn't question a regular but might give a first timer some comments. Just make sure you use heavy weight and don't let your line out far. Also be prepared to rail your fish.

[Blackfish Doug]

I much rather Jig fish under the boat cast up tide & work the jig just till it gets back to under the boat. It takes a little bit of practice but your getting to the fish first before the other side does. Don't mind the grumblers most of the time it's them who's causing the problem. A grumbler is like a wife who's never wrong. I been fishing too long seen it too many times just get used to it goes along with a day of fishing.

[cigar Bob]

Give me the under and 10 oz any day. I drag bait and bring up to 16's as needed. Listen to the advice of all the party boat captains and bring rod and lead. LET UP ON THE OTHER SIDE. NO PULLING.

[aduma1107]

Don't mind the grumblers most of the time it's them who's causing the problem. A grumbler is like a wife who's never wrong. I been fishing too long seen it too many times just get used to it goes along with a day of fishing.

As the saying goes" best defense is offense" happens all the time never the experts fault. Too good of angler to tangle anyone and to proud in front of there buddies. For the most part you can tell whose fault it is. BTW I happily would have fished under the boat to grt away from people. Capt should have rotated drifts with 30 angelers but sure he had a good reason why he didn't

[makosnax]

Some boats drift better in one direction, that was probably the reason. Blackfish Doug hit the nail on the head. I would rather cast out and bounce back to have my jig get to the fish first. Even though its more work it definitely pays off in the end.

[Chrisk]

Drifting 60-100 feet your jig will be under the boat by the time it hits bottem. Go with the heavier lead.

[Pokerman1]

I had the good fortune of being the grandson of the late Henry Schaefer. While jigging for fluke wasn't as popular back in the day, he never had a problem with fishing under the boat for fluke for the reasons set forth by Blackfish Doug. When we fished he would reel off the names of the "pros" who preferred fishing under the boat, unfortunately I was only 9 and forgot them all. :)

Joe

[tombanjo]

If I'm driving 4hrs + up there to fish on a PB then I'm fishing wherever the hell I want as long as I don't tangle others up.

[chefsamg19]

Agreed

[chefsamg19]

Capt who took us last week said a month a ago the pb up there were crushing em.. Jumbos .... He said now its fished out and mostly shorts. He is fishing on the beach vs off block.. Good report... Love roady.

[jerseyhunter]

I had the good fortune of being the grandson of the late Henry Schaefer
You had a Great Grandfather and one of the best Fisherman/writer who ever lived. I credit most of my knowledge to him and my Dad. And as other have said I would opt to fish under the boat where the fish see your offering first. Ps. Loved reading "Out in the Open" I also own the hard cover book with the same name.