Power boats on the Clackamas

angler_andy · 01-30-2005, 06:59 PM

Can someone tell me is it in the boating regulations when you go by someone bankfishing on the Clackamas river that you have to go full throttle? We even had two sheriff boats throw use some two foot waves.

Full Throttle · 01-30-2005, 07:19 PM

Two reasons they are probably doing this.

First, Water depth could have been too shallow to go through without being on plane. In order to draft the least amount of water, a jet boat needs to be going a minimum speed, and may not be able to slow down any more than they did for that particular area.

Second, the wake of a jet boat is twice as big at slower speeds. The hull of the boat is displacing (pushing) greater volume of water at a slower speed since more of the hull is sitting in the water. At the greater speed most of the hull is on top of the water, thus reducing the amount of water displacement and corresponding wake size. In most cases, it is better for both parties that the boat is moving through faster.

If I have a choice (ie enough water depth) I will usually troll through creating little or no wake for the benefit of the those on the bank.

I know it seems they were probably being arrogant and inconsiderate, but more than likely, they were actually trying to do the right thing.

Just noticed my IFISH moniker doesn't help my case much.

Seriously though, I still fish from the bank alot, and try to always consider the others that share the river.

angler_andy · 01-30-2005, 07:29 PM

We were fishing in a deep hole (15 feet plus).Some jets went by slow with no problems. Some of them came flying down the river so fast that I hardly hand time to get my bobber out of there way befor they ran over it.I do understand the need for speed at certin times but this was not one of them.

River Ranger · 01-30-2005, 07:33 PM

Well said Full throttle.It might be hard to understand but they are not trying to be disrespectful to bank anglers.The passing boats do little to effect the behavior of the fish also.
RR.

Fishalot · 01-30-2005, 07:36 PM

That is the world we live it

, some people will slow down and other rip right by. Don't get to worked up about it because it is bound to happen some of the time.
The ony way to avoid it is to go fish river that don't allow motor powered boats or fish the water they can't run.

Fishalot

steelsidedrifter · 01-30-2005, 07:50 PM

Well said. If you dont like the power boats dont fish the water they have to fish. Oxbow is a nice place if you dont like power boats. If you bank fish low in any river just live with the sled trafic. Dont like it , dont fish there.

KChookem · 01-31-2005, 08:32 AM

I do not know the water you were fishing, so I can't say whether they could, or should, have slowed. However, no all sleds are alike.

(1) Some sleds take longer to get up on plane, so it may not be prudent for them to slow between riffles. (2) Some sleds always make a lot of wake even at top end, and even more going slower. (3) Also, when a sled slows down, it may create a slightly bigger wake, which is going to continue dowstream ahead of them for a distrance; therefore, to avoid putting any wake on a bank angler, they would have to slow down far, far upstream. (4) To maintain steering control, any motor boat has to be going faster than the water speed, so boats going downstream just have to go faster.

On the brighter side, some folks, like me, believe that the occasional boat running over the water stirs up a little more fish-biting action.

Thumper · 01-31-2005, 08:54 AM

Were you at High Rocks by chance???

rola76 · 01-31-2005, 09:09 AM

This has been hammered a ton, and yes, Full Throttle has it right. I own an inboard jet and a pontoon boat, plus I fish out of a drifter all the time, so I see all sides to it.

As long as there are no laws against powerboats on rivers, complaining does no good. As others said, find other water, or simply have patience and understanding of the "smaller" waves from going full speed.

Of course there are people that have absolutely no respect or courtesy, and that's a whole different situation, but for those who go "full speed" because they either have to or because it's the "decent" thing to do...so be it.

R Jackson · 01-31-2005, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Were you at High Rocks by chance???

That's what I was wondering. The top end of High Rocks can be tricky going downstream. Well said Full Throttle.

hotslam · 01-31-2005, 09:30 AM

pull your lines in then sit back and relax until the power boats are done! i put up with these clowns all the time when im floating the clack. i do not have a thing against them powering up where they need to, but some places are a joke, they are always in a hurry! sorry keta, hotslam

River Ranger · 01-31-2005, 09:39 AM

Nice Hotslam.Thats a good way to get things done.

Hope you were joking.
RR.

fishboys · 01-31-2005, 09:40 AM

I fished next to a guy one time at high rocks, when ever he heard a sled coming he would reel up and grab another rod with just a four or six ounce led on it and he casted as hard as he could at the jet boats,my jaw musta almost hit the rocks this guy could have killed someone, i fish to relax and forget about all the crazy stuff going on around me and in the world. If i am not relaxed when fishing i find another spot.

01-31-2005, 09:43 AM

Quote:

take a wrist rocket and a pocket full of double 00 buckshot! then maybe you might get some repect! hotslam

Then again you might get some jail time or a few 45acp bullets sent your way. Your sugestion is BS!

River Ranger · 01-31-2005, 09:45 AM

Should have called the cops fisherboys.Seems that many that complain on here about sleds on the rivers clearly either don't own a sled or know anything about them.Sure there are some jerks out there but people shouldn't assume that every sled that goes screaming by is being disrespectful.

RR.

SLEDDER · 01-31-2005, 10:04 AM

Keta, Funny that you should mention 45acp. That is what I carry in my sled. I wouldn't use it on some ninny hand throwing lead at me though.

justcastn · 01-31-2005, 10:17 AM

I don't get ti it take's 1 second to reel up and let a sled pass and 2-5 second's for a sled to pass then 1 second to cast again.Dosen't seem like a big issue to me....

hotslam · 01-31-2005, 10:17 AM

we all have something in common sledder! i pack a fully loaded 45 in my drift boat! sometimes i feel like im going to war and not fishin! (im a ninny!) hotslam

River Ranger · 01-31-2005, 10:27 AM

What makes you feel like your going to war Hotslam?

RR.

TheRogue · 01-31-2005, 11:02 AM

Quote:

we all have something in common sledder! i pack a fully loaded 45 in my drift boat! sometimes i feel like im going to war and not fishin! (im a ninny!) hotslam

Maybe it's time you step back away from whatever hi-stress thing you do, and think "Is this worth it?".

Going to war....fishing.....

I'm sure the US military could find a place for you somewhere else, although I've heard that there's lots of beach, and not much water.

Please people....fishing IS NOT THAT IMPORTANT!! One thing to be prepared for an encounter with a meth-crank or other unsavory character, another to think about bodily harm to a boat that's by you in about 1.33 seconds. :whazzup: :whazzup:

TR

hotslam · 01-31-2005, 11:03 AM

i guess im a paranoid ninny! hotslam

CATCH AND EAT · 01-31-2005, 11:36 AM

I hear golf is a great game. You can still put the wood to it. You can still pack Iron and no one gets ticked when you tee off.

Calm down a little.

hotslam · 01-31-2005, 11:46 AM

im calm, i just got back from my shrink! i feel so much better, i think i will try golf! thanks. hotslam

Amahnee · 01-31-2005, 02:32 PM

:lurk:

KingFisher85 · 01-31-2005, 03:53 PM

You ask me, I wish them sleds would hurry up and get the heck outta there as quick as they can so I can get back to my fishing.
And if anyone gets the idea to toss lead at me, you will be readin about it in the paper

Thats uncalled for, and a bunch of BS and Keta is right :grin:

Uncle Bob · 01-31-2005, 04:05 PM

I know of this dumb drunk guy, no really, he's been drunk more then half his life.
Anyway, he chucked a rock at a boat that was going buy - hit it...

...several thousand dollars later :depressed:

Just a thought

UB

angler_andy · 01-31-2005, 06:50 PM

Well guys and gals, I didn't want to start a war, or have people start shooting at each other. Just tryed to draw a little attention to us on the banks. Maybe when possible, slow down, maybe say hi or wave( no shots please).We all are out there to enjoy ourselves. Good fishing.

PittsburghD · 01-31-2005, 07:04 PM

It's just fishing. I have felt this way on serene mountain lakes with bait fisherman and ghetto boxes. Give them the benefit of the doubt and/or find a different spot. Some are genuine and caring folks, others are self serving jerks. You never know which they are. Give them the benfit of the doubt and you'll feel much better all the way home.

--D

Tilla · 01-31-2005, 07:05 PM

You know Andy, we need to get you in a sled.

angler_andy · 01-31-2005, 07:17 PM

Didn't mean to ofend all the sleders out there. Just the ones that over do it. I seen a drift boat get thrown into the rocks on sunday, so its not just the bank fisherman.

5-Cents · 01-31-2005, 07:44 PM

Theres one of these posts every year

I have actually heard that if you cast right behind the boat that it stirs up the water and makes the fish ANGRY, and the will hit anything

Fact of the matter is you have to be on step to get through the shallow stuff! :smile:

Tilla · 01-31-2005, 08:12 PM

And you have to be on step in the deep stuff to get a head start into the shallow stuff. It may be 15 feet where you are but it was 8-12" just above or below you. (Sure there are exceptions)
For every angler that is unhappy about sleds going to fast, there are several that are happy to see the sleds pass by as fast as possible so they can get back to fishing. And going slow upstream slow can take all day with the most absolutely ugly wake. Most sledders wave the "trying to be polite guys" on and keep er on step!
And one other thing, Sledders cannot always see your lines, they are travelling on planing speed with $30k + boat and the responsibility of the lives of their passengers. The captains have to stay mentally aware and evaluate all the input coming at them. Trust me, these guys are always thinking safety first. Just look in their eyes, they are not in a party mood! Notice the perennial frowns!

If a sledder put a driftboat on the rocks there is possibly more to the story. It may have been the safest move.

Everytime I offer the tiller to someone on the boat...they melt. :shocked:

T-Jet · 01-31-2005, 08:56 PM

Andy........Knowledge is power! I offer a boat ride to you! Run the Clack with me and you will understand why the powerboats do what they do. I spent many years walking the rocks. Then burning sweat on the chopsticks....the whole time saying to myself! I will have a sled one day. I have not forgotten what its like to be waist deep and have the tide come in over the waders. I remember trying to hold a line through a slot with three rods out in the driftboat...only to have a sled do a fly by and send me into the bank! I am very polite when running the river. Send a PM if you are interested.

hot wire · 01-31-2005, 09:11 PM

Well, in all fairness, this issue has two sides. Each situation is not like the last. The problem is, the river is there for all of us. Might as well get used to it.
I keep hoping for the best. So, I'm gonna keep positive and hope that the mandatory liscenses WILL have a positive impact on ALL BOATERS.

Come on guys, when they drive by and YOU get mad, they win.

Tom

Striper Club · 01-31-2005, 09:45 PM

Yup. As long as we are all courteous and respect the dangers that each other encounter whether by jet, DB or wading, it can keep a certain margin of safety. I have seen EVERY 'faction' make stupid mistakes, often creating dangerous situations and these can all be avoided by pulling one's head out of one's rear. I have also seen folks show the finest in safety and courtesy.

...I prefer to see the latter, of course.

Fact is, everyone out there is trying to have a nice time...hey, that is what it is all about, eh? Hopefully, people that do make mistakes, especially in crowded rivers, do not cause harm and learn from said mistakes.

KingFisher85 · 01-31-2005, 09:46 PM

Tilla
"Everytime I offer the tiller to someone on the boat"

Wait a min, you never have offered it to me :depressed:

Half fast Toyn · 01-31-2005, 10:02 PM

Bobber fishing in 15 ft of water? THATS WHAT IM DOING WRONG!!!

Fish Wheels · 01-31-2005, 10:58 PM

I agree here. I know that I've blasted through a hole in front of a banker when I didn't know he was there until the last minute(probably quite a few times over the years). Just a mistake on my part every time. There is soooo much to keep your eye on when your heading up or down the river on plane, that sometimes your forget to look, or look too late for the bank fisherman that might be there right after you come through the whitewater.Just nature to pay more attention to what could damage your boat, or hurt you first. Thats if you could even slow down anyways for the reasons already stated. My .02.

SalmonSeason · 02-01-2005, 12:52 AM

Suggestions about the Clackamas regarding: Get use to it and such is very true...Not everyone runnin the Clack or any river for that matter is an expert......some folks are learning, some folks are ignorant

With that said...folks who toss lead or any objects, causing injury or damage: will be arrested if caught Call me I'll make it happen 655-8211 or 911

I know of three cases where dum@%!'s threw rocks and one case of a lead toss...ALL FOUR in Jail for various crimes beginning with Assault III and down to anothe felony Criminal Mischief I.....

All because people are being idiots.....

The Clackamas will continue to have powerboats until a "new law" is created....hope not

Sorry you had a bad time there and if the Sheriff boat caused you grief I'm willing to bet it was NOT that big of a deal or there's some ignorance and possibly on either side...just a thought There are new Deputies working the river and have to learn just as the next person

SalmonSeason · 02-01-2005, 12:55 AM

"Can someone tell me is it in the boating regulations when you go by someone bankfishing on the Clackamas river that you have to go full throttle? We even had two sheriff boats throw use some two foot waves."

And the only regulation is Everyone is responsible for any damages from their wake...

Something else to think about...While fishing for summer steelies w/ David Johnson, Pat O'brien, and Bob Worley on the Deschutes...back when jet boats were UP and DOWN many times...we caught plenty especially right after a boat went thru...I think the wake stirred 'em up...just a thought

hotslam · 02-01-2005, 01:04 PM

hey catch and eat, i tried golf today and i stink! so i guess i will see ya on the river! hotslam

CATCH AND EAT · 02-01-2005, 01:14 PM

Bummer, I suck at it too. :grin: Guess we will all just have to get along for now. Tell ya what, I'll build a chipping platform on the bow of my boat so I can be bad at golf and steelhead fishing at the same time.

See ya on the river and good fishing to ya.

Ryan Pultz · 02-01-2005, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Theres one of these posts every year

I have actually heard that if you cast right behind the boat that it stirs up the water and makes the fish ANGRY, and the will hit anything

I have found this to be true. True story the wife and I were fishing at carver. Plunking from the mouth of the creek and a sled came ripping down river. I did not pay any mind to it all of a sudden my wife�s rod goes off with a nice 28inch steelhead. I for one feel they fish get aggressive when the sled goes by. Kind of the same theory as Jim teeny tossing rocks at them rp

wwjetboater · 02-01-2005, 03:02 PM

Remember all jet boat owners including my self look out for the Kayakers as well on the Clack those guys are the ones who will get legislation put on power boats on the Clack. Like they did on the Snake and other rivers in the NW.. Some times I think Kayakers clog up tail outs for Hrs at a time. Yes they have the right to do their sport just like we our right but some times a bit of courtesy on both parties is needed.