1. Gratuity- as with the hospitality industry, the workers in the sport fishing industry, including those working the bait receivers, rely heavily on gratuity to survive. 15% is considered a good reponse to a job well done.
2. Keep your distance- a half mile is considered a good minimum distance to keep from commercial passenger fishing vessels. That said never drive across the stern of a fishing boat at anchor, and/or when the fishing vessel is within a half mile of the shore. Also stay well clear of other vessels drift fishing. Coming closer can adversely affect fishing, ruining a good bite for the boat and its passengers and the boats ability to do it’s job effectively. This is also a good general rule as often times people will be swimming off the stern of recreational boats anchored close to the shore. If in doubt contact the vessel on the radio prior to make certain. And remember ultimately it is against the law to interfere with a commercial fishing operation.
3. Approaching another vessel- if in an emergency situation it is necessary to approach a fishing vessel, do so bow to bow and at idle speed and preferably only after having made radio contact with the other vessel.
4. Spotlights- do not shine spot lights, search lights or flash lights at other vessels. This can temporarily blind the captain and endager lives and property.
5. Do not cut across the bow of another vessel underway! While you are saving yourself a minute or so you are endangering the lifes of the people aboard the other vessel as well as your own, which is a poor gamble every time.
6. If you are going to anchor near another vessel that is catching fish, try and do it quietly, even lowering your anchor rode by hand. This will reduce the risk of spooking the fish and ruining the bite for the other boat as well as yourself.
7. Do not use channel 16 for any other purposes other than emergencies.
8. Do a safe boating course and learn the rules of the road!