Tournament etiquette is one thing that is difficult to define within a set of rules. Mostly it is a “common understanding” between participants. Courtesy and respect play a large role in tournament etiquette as does a little bit of “common sense”. Below are a few recommended guidelines that one should follow when competing in a kayak fishing tournament.
TRAVELING OVER FISHING GROUNDS
Do not motor, pedal, or paddle over an area someone is fishing. If you are uncertain which side is best to pass on, simply ask the angler, they will let you know which course would be appreciated.
KEEPING YOUR DISTANCE
If you see an angler fishing an area, it is not very courteous to fish next to that angler already in a spot unless you ask and they give you permission. Try to keep a minimum of 50 yards between yourself and another angler. When in doubt, ask.
LEAP FROGGING
If an angler is actively fishing a shoreline, do not jump ahead or leapfrog the angler. Of course, it is unreasonable for an angler to claim an entire shoreline, so using the etiquette guideline for keeping your distance would be safe to apply in this situation.
TERRITORY
If someone is fishing “your” spot, it is no longer “your” spot until they leave. Conversely if you leave a spot, it is then open for others to fish.
NOISE: KEEP IT DOWN
If you are approaching another angler, please try your best to keep quiet while in the area. Last thing someone wants is another to come into an area, banging around, rummaging through tackle boxes and talking.
COMMON SENSE
If an angler catches a fish, and by the time they are done measuring, photographing and releasing the fish, they find themselves slightly pulled off of their spot, this does not constitute as the angler leaving their spot and leaving it up for grabs. Use common sense and simply ask the angler if there is any doubt if they are leaving or not. On a similar note, if you happen to break off and you yourself are in the process of scoring a fish, be aware of your drift and the placement of anglers nearby. Last thing anyone wants is to have someone drift through and possibly run into someone because they are preoccupied.
GENERAL WIN-WIN
Be courteous. Treat others as you would like to be treated. If there is any doubt, communicate with the other angler. If you are too close to another angler and they mention to you that you need to move on, know that the angler is simply making you aware and nothing else. Do not take it personally.
Compromise. If two or more competitors arrive to a location at the same time, it might be beneficial to compromise. Communicate with each other and set expectations up front. This can assist in ensuring that all anglers involved have a positive outing.