14 Nebraskaland • July 2023
IN THE FIELD
At dusk, anglers converge at the boat ramp at Olive Creek State Recreation Area in Lancaster County. ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND
Boating is always pleasurable —
until it's not. During these unfortunate
moments, the problems in question
usually come down to etiquette. Is
the other boater using good manners?
More importantly, are you a good
example of what these manners
should look like?
Start here to learn how to make
more friends at the boat ramp and on
the water.
At the Ramp
Get on the water and get out.
The boat ramp is an area to launch
a boat, not move supplies from your
vehicle to the boat, rig rods or have
a conversation with a person on the
dock.
Give Ample Space
Offering significant space to others
is paramount to a pleasurable outing
for all. Weigh on the cautious side
when crossing a waterbody; you never
know when you missed seeing that
second tuber who fell off way before
the one you do see. The same is true
of passing anglers; pass hundreds of
yards away to keep from ruining a
productive fishing spot.
Parking
Do the right thing before you get
on the water. Please don't leave your
vehicle in a spot that compromises
someone else's ability to get on the
water or park. If you're not pulling
a boat with a trailer, don't park in
the spots specifically designated for
trailers.
Sound Travels
Some of my fondest times on the
water include music. Those who do
this correctly keep their tunes at a
decibel level that doesn't interrupt the
free time of a neighboring boater.
Anchoring Up
The first boat sets the precedent,
so eye up others to know where to
toss your anchor, how much line you
should use and how much space you
should leave between boats.
Don't Litter
If it was in your boat to start with,
pack it out. Don't throw your trash,
banana peels, cans, fishing line, worms
or other goods overboard.
Be Polite
Every boat angler, skier,
wakeboarder or kayaker has one thing
in common: They love to have fun on
the water. So, embrace the community
and share a nod, a brief wave or a smile
as you pass.
By Jeff Kurrus and Shawna Richter-Ryerson
BOATING ETIQUETTE
