April 11, 2026

The last time I was as close to physically confronting someone as I was yesterday was 35+ years ago when I still worked as a bouncer at a popular County Western bar in Ocala, Florida when I actually did, but then again, it was my job and I could get away with it at the time. (These days I would probably just wind up being the one in the hospital myself with a busted-up face, heart attack or a broken hip or something… Funny, but not funny.😅)

I can think of a lot of words to describe “a few” of the people we ran into and their lack of etiquette, but let’s just stick with disgusting and appalling for now… (Not all or even most by any means, there were some nice smiles and conversations to make up for some of it as well! 😎👊)

I guess there aren’t any actual “rules” that say you shouldn’t stand up as tall as you can presenting the biggest profile possible to the run or hole that someone is fishing, but I bet they’d appreciate it if you didn’t…

There is no “rule” that says you should have everyone in your boat sit down well ahead of time to present the smallest possible profile then approach another boat or angler as close to them as safely possible or even behind them if you can, but I’ll bet you they’d appreciate it if you did! (Communicating your intention is also a very welcome option! 😎🤷‍♂️)

This one’s a little dicey since there actually are some angler harassment laws out there, but there doesn’t appear to be a clear one that says you can’t walk to or stop a boat so close to another angler that you can literally cross each other‘s lines, but I bet they’d appreciate it if you didn’t!! 🤷‍♂️

I have no idea when common sense went out the window, but it obviously did. John R and I were both on the water early enough to secure a decent location for the group of four anglers we had to fish together in but that didn’t seem to matter in short order… I’ve been guiding Richard, his kids and friends every year for well over 30 years now and neither of us can ever remember seeing anything like we did yesterday! 😳

We had people both on foot and in boats squeezing us from both sides all day literally crossing lines with us. Hell, John had one guy standing up pluck a fish right in front of him and fight it right on down the river… (I’ve never been more proud of him for keeping his cool as well as the two of us out from behind bars.) Utterly pathetic, disgusting, disgraceful and appalling behavior out there and people are just acting like it’s normal… 🤷‍♂️

Unfortunately, I’ve made these same suggestions many times in the past, but regardless of how much sense they make it doesn’t seem to stick. That being said, just in case I change even one person just a little leaving a better world behind, let’s review and add a few!

First off however, my own apologies to anyone and everyone I may have offended myself. I blew off some steam more than a few times and played a little music a little too loud on my way out. I have no good excuse for that because there is none.

The proper level for music is the one where you can hear it, but no one else who doesn’t want too can unless they are passing you and you are playing it at a reasonable level, no other exceptions and no excuses; it’s not “necessarily” a law per say, but it is an “a-hole” move that I am personally guilty of and I will make my best efforts to do better in the future “if I see you”. Once again, my most sincere apologies here…

So, to review, when approaching another angler or boat while in a boat on a small river you should:

A. Have everyone in your boat take a seat in order to present the lowest and smallest profile in passing that you can, pass as close to or even behind the other person as is safely possible, make your intentions clear to the other angler(s) in a friendly manner and then move along at least far enough that you cannot join in each other’s conversations without being invited.

B. Crank up the radio and run over the other persons fishing area while having everyone in the boat stand up pointing wildly and shouting about all the fish you just spooked out of the pool, run or gravel area that just blew up.

C. Make sure you stop, drop and roll! (“Stop” the boat by a “drop” of your anchor as close to the other angler as you possibly can then “roll” a cast over their line and into the area they were fishing!)

D. Just keep on stripping your streamers or tossing your spinning gear as you go by because, after all, you are doing something different than they are and that pool, run or gravel area will most certainly settle back down shortly!

(It’s A, a is the only correct answer here folks… A is not a “law”, but a is always “A”preciated!)

Additionally:

• There are some areas more easily accessible than others that do receive more pressure on a regular basis and people are “used to” sharing those areas with others, but it is still a good idea to talk with your fellow anglers establishing a mutual understanding of ethics and etiquette you can all live with and enjoy.
• It is also a good idea to have your boat ready to actually launch before putting it on the ramp.
• And it is a good idea to pull your boat away from the ramp area before spending the next half hour buttoning everything up once you’ve pulled out.
• In short, it’s just simply a good idea to “play nice” when you can and treat others as you would want to be treated…

These are just friendly suggestions folks, and I hope you will take them as such. I am VERY far from perfect myself so I don’t want to be the pot calling the kettle black, but I promise to do better, and I hope you will too.

We have 67 miles of open river to enjoy right now in the peak of the season and I don’t know about anyone else, but I enjoy it much more when the environment is a friendly one and everyone is having fun regardless of legal methods or techniques being used.

The “fishing report” remains the same and it is pretty darn good overall with plenty of Steelhead in the system that are in all stages of the run and some happy trout that are gobbling up eggs and salmon fry! (There are even a few I’ve seen looking up to black stones and blue winged olives.)

The weather has been all over the board and so has the water level and clarity, but it’s in great shape as of yesterday “up high” and I can’t imagine that it’s much worse thru the mid river.

The shop is fully loaded, and we have availability for guides and motel rooms most days from here on throughout the season. Give the shop a call to book a date or dates between 8am and 6pm daily. (231) 745-3529

Have fun, be safe and please play nice with each other out there! 😎🇺🇸🦅🎣

-Steve-

BBT Fly & Tackle Shop is seeking full and/or Part Time Retail Sales Associates

Description:

We are seeking a passionate, knowledgeable individual to provide top-tier customer service, assist with rod, reel, fly, tackle and accessories selections, manage point-of-sale operations in an often fast-paced environment and take reservations for Guide Trips & Motel Rooms.

Requirements:

A solid foundation of knowledge in fly, spin and bait fishing as well as the equipment needed, experience with POS systems, and strong interpersonal skills. (Interpersonal skills is the only actual unconditional requirement as the right person could be trained on the rest.)

Responsibilities Include:

Assisting customers with gear, taking reservations, managing inventory, and maintaining a clean and inviting shop/work environment.

Experience Needed:

This varies a lot depending upon your work ethic, personality and ability to learn, but being “experienced in fly and/or spin fishing” is most certainly a major bonus as is some history in retail sales…

Benefits:

Employee discounts are nearly universal, alongside product discounts direct from many of our manufacturers and a very laid-back work environment despite the fact that it can and does get hectic at times. Pay raises will be quickly granted based on good performance as we are looking for long term employee(s).

“It’s the shop environment, spending time with quality like-minded individuals, talking hunting and fishing all day…, quality of life, low pressure work environment… the list is long!!!”

So, please call the shop and talk with either Jake or Jimmy if you have any questions about the position. Applications can be picked up at the shop and résumés can be dropped off there or emailed to [email protected]
(231) 745-3529