NEVER IN MY 20 PLUS YEARS OF TOURNAMENT FISHING !

[jimmy87]

http://www.boatus.com/towing/services.asp

have a look.

[sTony]

So im fishing a tournament this past weekend at clear lake, in some pretty nasty weather. Flying across the lake, my lower unit explodes, so we jump on the T-motor and spot a fellow tourny competitor, flag them down and ask for a tow to the launch site, maybe a mile. They ask if were fishing a tournament and we say we are fishing the same one they are. The first question the punk a$$ kid in the back of the boat asks is," how much weight do you have ?", I replied, I don't know, Im not thinking about that right now and then he starts going off about wasting time towing us in and not being able to fish and mumbling some other crap !!! WTF. All i have to say is, god help you if you ever break down on the water!!!!!!!!!!!

I find it interesting that the original poster never came back in with some additional info that would likely shed a lot of light onto this situation. As a boater, I'm not obligated to tow everyone off the water that has equipment failures and the conditions might not even allow it at all. I am obligated to provide whatever assistance I can to help a fellow competitor out, but towing your boat might not have even been necessary.

Was your trolling motor broke also? How much time did you have left to the day before your weigh-in?

Personally, every time I come across a boat that I know is in the tournament and we're in talking distance I always ask how the other team is doing and/or if they're catching them and what not. I don't think was so out of line either.

Honestly, I might not have given you a tow either. Not if you were a mile away from the launch, appear to be safe and have plenty of time to make it back in yourself without me dragging you in. Towing is hard on our outboards whether or not you put credence into that or not, ask any mechanic.

It's all a matter of whether or not you were safe out there and had means yourself to get back in on time. But by no means am I obligated to tow anyone for just any reason.

sTony

[Thunnus Salmoides]

I find it interesting that the original poster never came back in with some additional info that would likely shed a lot of light onto this situation. Was your trolling motor broke also? How much time did you have left to the day before your weigh-in?

It's all a matter of whether or not you were safe out there and had means yourself to get back in on time. But by no means am I obligated to tow anyone for just any reason.

sTony

I agree. There is such a rush to judgement to condemn the other boat without knowing all the facts that the OP really should give more information. If I were in danger for my safety, then I would be grateful for any help from another tournament angler. If I was not in danger and still maneuverable, then I would not dream of imposing on another angler during a tournament to tow me in. I guess the question is, were you in danger for your safety or just in danger of not making the weigh-in?

[Greg_Cornish]

http://www.boatus.com/towing/services.asp

have a look.

So what boat towing service do you call on Clear Lake? I'm sure glad my circle of friends are of stronger character than some of you.

[bryanmc]

So what boat towing service do you call on Clear Lake? I'm sure glad my circle of friends are of stronger character than some of you.

Apples and oranges Greg...

[Greg_Cornish]

So what boat towing service do you call on Clear Lake? I'm sure glad my circle of friends are of stronger character than some of you.

Apples and oranges Greg...

???

[bryanmc]

You don't fish tournaments and you have a different set of circumstances than most tournament fisherman. This isn't about towing someone while you're out fun fishing, therefore, you're comparing apples to oranges.

[sTony]

I'm sure glad my circle of friends are of stronger character than some of you.

I've got a great network of friends I can call on anytime to get me out of trouble on the water. But I wouldn't call just any old time I broke down.

Here's a story I can pass on that happened to me years ago in my first boat, one we affectionately refer to as the 'Titanic'. I was on Lake Sonoma and forgot to keep track of fuel. I was way back up the Cloverdale end of the lake and past the primitive campgrounds, so I was good eight miles of so away from the launch ramp. Went to fire up the big motor and she sputtered and stop, no fuel left. It was a 100 degree day in mid summer. Tons of folks on the lake, none of which would stop and assist or tow. The Sheriff on the water stopped and told me he couldn't tow me back because then he'd have to do that for anyone. He looked at me and asked if I was okay and that I looked to be in good shape, figured I could make it back on my own. He did say he'd ask other boaters if they could offer an assist.

I got out my 'in-trouble' oar and started paddling back to the ramp. Took hours, but no one ever offered an assist. As nightfall came, I got to the launch and retrieved the boat from the water, literally exhausted. Never complained once and certainly never came to a public forum and chewed out everyone that was on that lake that day.

Now, another story, I used to own a large Bayliner, between bass boats, and it broke down on the river out here once. Tide was rushing out and we were not in control of the vessel very much at all. Got on the phone to my trusty network of friends and within minutes we were being rescued and towed back to safety. I get calls frequently from my network to give them a tow or pick up their trailers and meet them at a closer launch ramp to where they're broken down and so on.

The point is there's times when you are in distress and in need of an assist from where ever it can come from and there's other times when you are simply on your own and have the means to make it in just fine on your own. Demanding that people tow you in, when you're not in jeopardy, can be asking way too much from a person.

sTony

[Greg_Cornish]

You don't fish tournaments and you have a different set of circumstances than most tournament fisherman. This isn't about towing someone while you're out fun fishing, therefore, you're comparing apples to oranges.

Okay, I get it. Character only applies outside of tournament fishing. Gotcha. That's what I thought. Just clarifying. You guys reading this that are thinking about tournament fishing, take note. When weather conditions were bad like they were on clear lake with wind, rain, sleet and snow with the possibility of it getting better or worse in five minutes, its okay to pass up a boater in distress if you are in a tournament. About half of the fishermen think its okay.

[sTony]

Okay, I get it. Character only applies outside of tournament fishing. Gotcha. That's what I thought. Just clarifying. You guys reading this that are thinking about tournament fishing, take note. When weather conditions were bad like they were on clear lake with wind, rain, sleet and snow with the possibility of it getting better or worse in five minutes, its okay to pass up a boater in distress if you are in a tournament. About half of the fishermen think its okay.

An inoperable boat doesn't always equate to a boat in distress, Greg. It's that simple, whether or not you agree.

sTony

[jimmy87]

So what boat towing service do you call on Clear Lake? I'm sure glad my circle of friends are of stronger character than some of you.

Apples and oranges Greg...

You call the same service Greg. Alot of times my friends with boats are at work when I am fishing. I fish in foul weather often when you dont have any other boats out on the water.
90% of my friends have bass boats. Most of our boats do not like to tow very well.
Many times I am fishin 100 miles away from home.
I suppose if you fish the same water all the time its differnt .

Most of all I worry about getting caught in bad weather conditions.
Say high winds and big rollers catch you by surprise. Its cold and raining. Your broke down miles from a ramp. Conditions bad enough you know you should not put another bass boat in the water.
Then what ? Or say I got my boat up on a sand bar. Shes stuck and my buddies bass boat dose not have enough to pull her off?
OR the boat is wrecked and it needs recovery?
You got friends with cranes winches and wrecking boats on hand 24 7?

To me its called insurance.

[sTony]

The other point to be made here is that offering an assist does not always imply giving someone a tow. I can and have offered assists many times and rarely does it require a tow.
Sometimes it's about getting on board and helping to fix a problem or getting on your cell phone and making a call. And I've never left a boat that I wasn't comfortable knowing the occupants were safe. I have and seen other anglers weigh in and then go back out and help out another boater, many times.

I've also committed to myself that I don't tow boats with mine. It's hard on the big motor as they're not built for it. Ask any good mechanic and they'll advise you not to tow unless you absolutely have to do so. It didn't sound like this guy was in that kind of need at all.

This whole thread kind of blows because the original poster just kind of assumed that because he was broken down that anyone he stopped was obligated to tow him, regardless of the circumstances. The Coast Guard and Sheriffs aren't under any such obligation, so why should anyone else be?

sTony

[Greg_Cornish]

So what boat towing service do you call on Clear Lake? I'm sure glad my circle of friends are of stronger character than some of you.

Apples and oranges Greg...

You call the same service Greg.

Real good Jimmy, So you're in inclement weather on Clear Lake and your boat dies. All you have to do is call the nearest participating tow company in Sacramento over 100 miles away. They just quickly hitch up a boat, drive over to Clear Lake, launch, try to find you, hook up to your boat and tow it in. Will they also come back the next day and drag the lake for you? Oh boy, sign me up for that insurance.

[sTony]

Real good Jimmy, So you're in inclement weather on Clear Lake and your boat dies. All you have to do is call the nearest participating tow company in Sacramento over 100 miles away. They just quickly hitch up a boat, drive over to Clear Lake, launch, try to find you, hook up to your boat and tow it in. Will they also come back the next day and drag the lake for you? Oh boy, sign me up for that insurance.

Why being such a tool about it, Greg? Most these guys have this apparatus called a trolling motor that'll get you a mile in no time at all and you can fish the entire time you're on it. Ever heard of one?

sTony

[Greg_Cornish]

Why being such a tool about it, Greg? Most these guys have this apparatus called a trolling motor that'll get you a mile in no time at all and you can fish the entire time you're on it. Ever heard of one?

sTony

Yes I've got a 101 Minnkota and a few days last week I'd still be going backwards with it turned on. I know the lake better than you do Tony I've been out there when the lake is glass when you decide to go across it and by the time you're halfway across it the wind has changed and created rollers that are coming over the deck. Last year sitting on Henderson with predicted nice weather i saw the still water start rippling to 6 in waves. I was the operator and told my friend we were leaving to go back to Nice. He said he thought I was being too careful. Buy the time we hit the harbor there were 5 foot rollers. I imagine they were six at Henderson.

I was in an 18 foot bass boat in the narrows when an unexpected wind popped up one day I remember riding back in rollers so big they were tossing the front of the boat 8 to 10 ft in the air. When we came down it was like hitting concrete. I injured my neck so badly in was in bed for three days.

Another time in the narrows rollers knocked the front of my boat up in the air at 45 degrees and the wind held it there for10 seconds. I took the boat back to Konocti and had to leave it tied up for 4 days before I could safely bring it home.

Every year I hear about fishermen drowning due to unexpected weather on Clear Lake and I watch the helicopters circling and lights flashing, looking for bodies.

I woke up last weekend to see a beautiful calm Clear Lake for the A/C tourney. I thought, "What a beautiful day to be fishing." By the time I'd finished breakfast there was snow dropping by my windows, wind howling and white caps I could see for 6-7 miles out.

Call me a tool if you want, but I just hate the thought of some gal being told she was a widow because I wanted to keep fishing.

Now after all that, if you don't understand what I mean I guess I'll never get my point across.

Everyone fishing here should acquaint themselves with the safe harbors.

[sTony]

Problem is there's not enough info in that post for you to assume that they were ever in any kind of danger. We fish in crappy weather all the time. It's a given in most cases. I fished in inclement weather yesterday, big deal.

I'd also ask, how do you tow a guy in 8-10 foot waves?

Case in point: I was a camera boat up on Oroville a few years back, following two boats from the Spillway Ramp as they were heading out towards Lime Saddle. One boater unexpectedly cuts in front of me and I get thrown around in the boat, my body hits the throttle and we lurch back and the thing goes from being in forward back to reverse. The force has the prop sheer off its cotter pin and spins off the shaft and into 200+ feet into Lake Oroville.

Gator was going to handle the boat while I filmed, which we still needed to do, so he hopped in the boaters boat and did the filming while I got on the trolling motor and went several miles back in sloppy, windy and wet conditions and got myself trailered up and down the hill to find a new prop.

Took me a couple hours to get back on trolling motor power. Along the way several guys in the tournament stopped and asked if I need help or a tow. I thanked them and told them I was fine and I'd make it back okay on my own. No need to cut into their day despite the waves and such. I knew I'd be fine. And I was.

I'm also usually the last guy to get away from a lake after a tournament because of the equipment I bring and I always stop on the road when I see a fellow bass boat pulled over in the road. Whether they're in trouble or not I don't make the assumption. Sometimes it's helpful and other times they're a-okay but they always seem happy that there was concern. Most guys I know that fish tournaments do the same thing for others.

I just don't like the character stomping you're doing is all.

sTony

[Greg_Cornish]

He said it was pretty nasty weather, I said it was pretty nasty weather.

The guys that stopped he told he needed help. They asked about his fish and left him there.

You said you didn't need help. You weren't fishing.

How long does it take to tow someone a mile or less? I took me 15 minutes once on a stranded pontoon boat with a bunched of stoners who couldn't tie a knot.

I don't believe guys who would leave a fellow stranded are of good character.

I don't believe you could tow a boat in 8 foot swells and I have no idea where that came from as I never mentioned towing a boat in 8 ft swells..

[sTony]

You're right, I misread.

sTony

[2ndsuks]

How long does it take to tow someone a mile or less? I took me 15 minutes once on a stranded pontoon boat with a bunched of stoners who couldn't tie a knot.

I'm sure glad my circle of friends are of stronger character than some of you.

Well, there you have it, everything is coool when your, sssssssstoned, dude!

[Greg_Cornish]

How long does it take to tow someone a mile or less? I took me 15 minutes once on a stranded pontoon boat with a bunched of stoners who couldn't tie a knot.

I'm sure glad my circle of friends are of stronger character than some of you.

Well, there you have it, everything is coool when your, sssssssstoned, dude!

We actually had to get on their boat and tie the damn knot.

[lacy10]

I don't know ,half you guys are hollier than thou , I have towed for free and been towed for $300.00 But they weren't actually in need and weren't in any danger, it took me 6 hrs from temple bar to calville being towed by someone not in the Tournament . What kind of a person are you that ask for someone to give up their time and entry fee to make it a little easier for you . I WOULD never ask someone in a Tournament to tow me, it isn't right . If I were in a FLW and paid $2000 to enter would I help, hell no( unless it was a emergency and someone was in danger. if they just wanted to weigh in ha ha ) .and in the same sentence would I expect you to help, hell no ! its very errogant to expect someone to give up there money just to make it more convienient for you.

[BCLOSE22]

What a freakin joke!
Any boater that dosen't help another boater in distress is a loser. I'd bet they didn't even place in the tourney. KARMA IS A BITCH BOYS! Better hope he dosen't see you at the swapmeet LOL!

[bryanmc]

Any boater that doesn't help another boater in distress is a loser.

I agree completely... This is Webster's definition of distress...
3: a state of danger or desperate need <a ship in distress>

If your situation doesn't meet that definition, I'll take your partner and fish in and come back for you after we weigh...

[sTony]

I agree completely... This is Webster's definition of distress...
3: a state of danger or desperate need <a ship in distress>

If your situation doesn't meet that definition, I'll take your partner and fish in and come back for you after we weigh...

+1 Bingo!

sTony

[CN]

You don't fish tournaments and you have a different set of circumstances than most tournament fisherman. This isn't about towing someone while you're out fun fishing, therefore, you're comparing apples to oranges.

I hope I dont need help during a Bass Tournament!

[Greg_Cornish]

Any boater that doesn't help another boater in distress is a loser.

I agree completely... This is Webster's definition of distress...
3: a state of danger or desperate need <a ship in distress>

If your situation doesn't meet that definition, I'll take your partner and fish in and come back for you after we weigh...

2 things. No other fisherman stepped up to take his partner and fish in. He was lucky Ed happened to be able to help out. 2nd point is, a boat in Clear Lake in a Storm with no big motor with weather changes unpredictable, is clearly in danger.

I admire that you would at least take his partner and fish in and I understand your meaning had it been a clear day with fairly predictable weather, there is really no issue.

[BCLOSE22]

Especially in a tournament, I would've helped the guy. I believe in good Karma as well as bad. Had they helped out, maybe they would've caught some fish and felt better at the end of the day. WTF ever happened to the the ALOHA in this world?

[Greg_Cornish]

?..WTF ever happened to the the ALOHA in this world?

LOL Bingo!

[SpereAuctioneer]

I too believe that we should go out of our way to try to help people when they are in need. Unless I missed it I don't think the tournament was the "Classic" or anything close to that was it?
A fellow man needs help then help.

This post brought up some thoughts that I want to share about people helping others and NOT helping.

My son and I have been partners fishing for the past 3 years since he was 6. Obviosuly he is not the best partner to launch the boat or pay his share of the entry fees but his company outweighs everything else!

Bill Ponting, NBW, Brian L. and so many people have helped on occasion that you should know how much it is appreciated! So Thank You and Hats Off to all who take their time to help out others. As a dad, I know I greatly appreciate it and to show my son how important it is.

On another note... Many Excellent Fishermen and People Missed The Chance To Provide a Kid with a Life Lesson by not helping at a Lake Perris tournament a few years back... My 7 year old son (9 now) is my partner and we find out my cranking battery is dead in the a.m. and having electrical problem? I put the boat back on the trailer and pull it out of the water to determine the problem as I had previously had charged the battery and all was working fine the night before??? As I (we) are looking at things we are also asking fisherman who are launching and loading if they had any jumper cables to borrow or ideas to help us get fixed and back on the water for tournament launch. With all the fisherman who passed us that COLD, DARK morning not one would take the time to help.

Remember...I am here with my 7 year old son and we were somewhat regular "donators" to the local tournament scene. One by one, boat by boat and truck by truck would pass and could you believe it not one had cables, ideas or the time to try to help. Each one was in such a hurry to launch and load and get ready for the tournament they did not have the time to help out a fellow donator.

The tourney launched on time and we were not ready. My son was just telling me it was time to go home and we wouldn't be able to fish that day, etc. I told him not to worry we will go fish and launch on our own time. Another boater there who was not in the tournament helped us out and we were off to fish just a few minutes late. There were a lot of very succesful fisherman that day that passed us by because they were in the hunt for the $$ they missed the chance for teaching a boy a life lesson and helping out a fellow man.