"RULES OF THE ROAD"

WFOA put this out a couple of years ago, it still applies and even more so today!

For overtaking and crossing vessels, normal rules apply. But there are some deviations and guys are expected to comply. Failure to do so will undoubtedly anger others and gain you a bad reputation.

1. A circling boat is considered sacred-avoid it like the plague. NEVER cross through the area inside his circle-don't even get close. A good rule of thumb is, if conditions allow, to leave room enough for him to "reverse" his circle. Also never crowd a baitboat that is in a "stop" with men in the rack, they are not moving!!

2. Fish reports broadcast on the radio are meant to inform the fleet if there are fish in the area- AREA being the key word. Nobody wants to report fish, hang up the mike and see 17 foaming bows racing for his waypoint. If you're going without and hear of a spot, move in that GENERAL direction LOOKING for fish. Don't crowd in and chase the guy off his spot. Or next time he won't likely report.

3. Some boats prefer not to circle. lf you see a boat making noticeable tacks on a spot, regard it as his spot. Don't move in, pull a circle and force him off his fish.

4. Don't crowd too close to other boats in general. When tacking alongside or behind another boat, leave a little elbow room, enough so that he can put his boat in a circle at any time without the risk of collision or uncomfortably close quarters.

5. Remember that larger vessels are not as maneuverable as smaller ones. Their circles will be bigger and they require more room to turn.

6. Cooperate with the fleet. lt's a big ocean and reports of fishy areas are greatly appreciated by guys who aren't in'em. Dead area reports are nearly as important. If an area has been looked at and found to contain cactus, it's nice to know so you can save your time and fuel to look elsewhere.

7. In poor visibility and other crappy conditions, safe working distances are multiplied by the degree of crappiness. Remember a collision at sea can ruin your entire day.

8. Leave LOTS of room when drifting at night. Boats drift at different speeds and in different directions. Two miles all around is generally considered minimum, but safe distances increase with wind and current.

9. Boats with any type sea anchor drift slower than other boats. lf you are using one, make sure you set up to drift to windward of other boats, never downwind of the fleet. Failure to do so invites disaster.

10. Channel 72 is generally considered a safety channel at night to monitor emergencies, drifting problems, freighter traffic, etc. If you are traveling at night, make arrangements ahead of time with traveling partners to switch to another channel after dark. Other people are trying to sleep but want to monitor Channel 72 (and l6) without listening to some one's dinner menu or who won the baseball game.

And remember, when a guy reports fish, he's informing you that there may be more in the general area. A fish report isn't an open invitation to share the school he's working on. A little respect will encourage more reports. Don't crowd the guy. If he's on a school, there's a good chance there's a better one. Find it!!