Go Fast Mentallity - Why?

[Slow Down!]

Maybe trying to stir the pot a little but does it seem that the walleye boating industry is starting to lean toward the Bass boating mentality about going as fast as physically possible with no consideration of safety?

With the great magazine of Bass & Walleye Boats, it seems that stress is placed on "how fast can I get my tub to go", without the consideration of whether or not the boat can safely operate at the speeds acheived.

I like the next guy enjoy the thrill and power of a highly tuned rocket under my controls but within the last couple of years, it seems that their is a lot of people that are pushing the envelope of safety. Several lakes and reservoirs that I have fished at over the last year or two have developed an increase of either a$$hole$ that like to zoom by on the verge of out of control and tend to show no respect to the fellow angler. Is it just me or have others seen this too? Last fall I was fishing with my son (6 years old) and was within 7-10' of getting broadsided by a "go-fast" walleye fisherman that did not see me until it was nearly too late. The DNR got a call but I never heard if the person was ever sited or even found.

Just a concerned parent and fisherman.

[TBO/MN]

You make a good point. I use my boat to fish, not go fast. I know there are a few that would say, "I need to go fast to get to the fishing spot first, so I can win a tourney". Well, that's fine but what about the speed limit, yes, the lakes in Minnesota have a speed limit. Now to have a boat to go over 55 mph is great but if the law means anything, why would you need it? I fish tournaments, and yes, I am the last to get to most spots, but I fish, not race.

You want to go fast, join the Mercury Modified Racing Tour, if you want to fish..........fish!

(IMHO)
Good Fishin'
TBO/MN

[Al]

What constitutes fast? IN your example, the guy that nearly broadsided you would have been nearly as close at 50 MPH vs 60mph. If the arguement you make stands, who will say that 30 mph is it? The manatees? Now I'm not saying that i'm all for the crazies who drive like idiots. But just like anything else, there are a lot of people out there who can perfectly handle a rig better at 70 than some moron at 50 mph. Maybe if the DNR's would enforce laws like the existing speed limits and also guard against reckless operation, they could put a dent in this. All things considered, you are much safer in your boat or airplane than riding in your truck on the way to the ramp. A few idiots seem to ruin it for all of those who toe the line.

[Stezostedion virtreum man]

Slow Down,

I concur with your concern about the obsession with unsafe speeds today. The philosophy of " faster is better " is a dangerous one. I agree, that it is nice to have a rig that doesn't take you all day to get to your favorite fishing hole, but not at speeds that are a danger to yourself and your fellow man. Fishing today, it seems, has evolved from a sport of relaxation to one of competition, where the winner takes all mentality. Often times this attitude can be witnessed at the many boat ramps where etiquette and common courtesy has been replaced with rudeness and hostility.
Some people drive their boat and motor faster than I drive my car (which is usually 60 mph). I guess the question to be answered is " what's the hurry ", time goes by fast enough on its own, learn to relax and respect your fellow man.

Remember to keep your eyes open, your feet dry, operate your boat and motor at safe speeds, and dxxn the torpedoes, full speed ahead.

S.v.m

[Hans]

I think higher gas prices will diminish this trend.

Hans

[cisco]

I've spent an enormous amount of time on Lake Michigan (with additional Great Lakes time on Superior, Erie, and Huron), and I've spent big chunks of time on inland lakes. I firmly believe you will see BETTER boaters on the Great Lakes than on inland water -- and, I believe more of them will have taken Power Squadron or Coast Guard boating safety courses, AND I believe they drink less alcohol on the water. The link between alcohol and boating fatalities is one that you cannot laugh away -- it is there as much as it is for motor vehicles.

Perhaps, too, the big water helps put boating safety into proper perspective. Sensible boaters know you do not play stupid games on the Great Lakes.

I am a believer in boating safety courses -- and would endorse operator licenses for water craft (Maryland and other states already have them).

[Backwater Eddy]

I seen a guy test drive a Triton 20' bass boat with a 300 on it going 84 mph on TV last night?

WHY?

That is just plain nuts, no matter if your in a tournament or not that is too dangerous for public waters.

Backwater Eddy

[Hans]

Because one of the ba$$ tourneys now includes a boat race through a slalom course as part of the competition, in addition to the fish caught!!! (I'm not making this up.) The claim is that it makes it more interesting for the TV audience. Since when is TV audience part of the sport of angling?

Hans

[rvvrrat]

Hans,

I doubt if gas prices are going to affect the speed at which folks drive their boat. If you can afford 30-40K for the boat you can probably absorb a 50-100% increase in gas.

I fish the Mississippi and have noticed that the walleye guys are taking on that "fast is better" mentality. We used to chuckle at the guys who zoomed by only to have them zoom by about 10-15 minutes later going in the opposite direction...used to shake our heads and say "Bassers"...nowdays it is just as likely to be a tourney walleye fisherman.

Speed doesn't bother me as long as the driver is safe AND courteous. Unfortunately the combination of those traits is diminishing in fisherman in general (IMHO).

Pete

[RANGER]

I don't know. My worm and worm harnesses just get ripped apart and ride on top at anything over 10mph. It's he11 on minnies, too! LOL ;-)


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"

[badger]

I often fish the Wisconsin river, and I've seen people going WOT (30-60 MPH) up the river channel. The funny part is 10% of 'em hit bottom, and I'm not talking sand. I always wish I could see the look in the testosterone fueled idiots eye when he tears the lower unit off of his brand-spankin-new-go-fast rocketship.

On a similar note, I often find myself thinking evil thoughts about the little Jet-Ski's, PWC's, etc tearing around the lakes from dawn 'till dusk. But, that's a whole other topic all together.

Tight lines all.

[AquaMan]

Do what they do in the swamps of the Mississippi Delta. Carry a 44 or 300 MAG and put a hole in the boat as it passes by. J/K

The only thing you can do is get the boat number and call it into the DNR. Chasing them down the lake won't work and some of those guys are pretty big to boot, so let the guys that can make it hurt do so.

Safety first, fish second.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.·´¯° --- "It all begins and ends at the water's edge"

[James Morris]

As I understand it, one of the major purposes for having a big engine on the back of the boat is not for all out top speed, but to give instantaneous, high thrust for negotiationg "less than ideal" conditions. I have seen the bad drivers out on the water, but I have to agree with Cisco- on the big water, "most" of the operators are better b/c they understand the potential harm that comes with screwing up on the big water. It's too bad a few irresponsible people give the majority a bad image.

I do not disagree with speed, in fact I enjoy it. Nothing beats crossing long stretches of open water at ~60mph in a 19 or 20ft Ranger (like crossing Green Bay). The prolems arise when people on smaller water or in crowded areas blaze around other boaters for the heck of it.

Can't wait to get otu and fish.

James

[James Morris]

As I understand it, one of the major purposes for having a big engine on the back of the boat is not for all out top speed, but to give instantaneous, high thrust for negotiationg "less than ideal" conditions. I have seen the bad drivers out on the water, but I have to agree with Cisco- on the big water, "most" of the operators are better b/c they understand the potential harm that comes with screwing up on the big water. It's too bad a few irresponsible people give the majority a bad image.

I do not disagree with speed, in fact I enjoy it. Nothing beats crossing long stretches of open water at ~60mph in a 19 or 20ft Ranger (like crossing Green Bay). The prolems arise when people on smaller water or in crowded areas blaze around other boaters for the heck of it.

Can't wait to get out and fish.

James

[JKJ]

The problem is the guy who's first boat is a rocket ship... Guys like myself who have, over the years, worked our way up through the horse power range are not the problem.

First boat 14 foot, 7.5hp
second 16 foot, 15 hp
third, 17 foot, 40 hp
fourth, 18 foot, 90hp

and so on.....

[Slow Down!]

Speed is only relative to the particular body of water, size and handling of boat and ability of the driver, I agree. The problem is that there are boat/motor packages out there that are put together that no matter what ability the driver has, at WOT the boat is unstable and unable to safely meneuver in an emergency.

This particular instance, the boater was in a boat doing 50+ and when he tried to turn to avoid me, I think even he was surprised at how close he ended up getting. Also, speed is not the only factor, alcohol, testosterone (as someone mentioned earlier), lack of experience and poor judgement

Had he been doing 40 - 45, he probably would have had much more reaction time. A split second can make the difference between an accident and a close call. Fortunately this time it was just a close call.

I personally do not want to see speed limits on lakes but if someone loses their life, especially if that person is your son, you can bet your butt that I will be after the speeders with venom! And at that point it is too late!

[Al]

Whoa now. Ganging up on the bass guys doesn't solve a thing. In fact, the tournament you spoke of, has little to do with top speed if anything. Ideally, in that course of turns and one or two straight aways, a guy would have a boat with about 6 sizes too small prop pitch for back breaking acceleration In the straights, those guys hardly get over 65, not much more. In the turns and weaves over 30-35 would be pretty fast. I'm not saying I like the format, but I wouldn't blame the ills the idiots of society cause on BASS. How many big wheel races have you seen on TV? None.. what's the first thing your kid wants to do when he gets on one? Go as fast as he can. I bet if we're honest, there is at least a little of this in all of us. The problem is sorting out who can and cannot handle it.

[FJH1]

I guess it comes down to using your head. Personally I love to go fast. I seem to have two speeds, full throttle and stop :-), just kidding. When I rigged out my boat I maxed the hp, put on a jack plate and I tested tons of props to see which one would give me the best handling and best top speed. I'm a pretty competitive person and I really wanted to wring every ounce of speed out of my boat as I could. When the situation allows, I love to use that speed. I suppose that you could also look at this another way; on the highway if your flying along to see how fast your car can go there's a fair chance your going to get a ticket. However, many waterways don't have "speed limits" per se. The bass boater or walleye guy that really loves speed can get his fix on the water. There are good drivers on the road and there are bad, same goes for the water. Given the safe opportunity I'd much rather have my throttle lever horizontal than vertical! You have just delved into the psyche of a speed freak!

Best Regards,

FJH

[Greg P.]

Good post. I know posts like this can be effective to increase peoples’ awareness of excess speed.

The issue of how much is too much is an issue I have struggled with in my decision to put a big motor on the back of the boat I recently ordered. I am not a speed demon, and yet I enjoy the thrill as others have posted. When I bought my current boat 11 years ago, I could not imagine a 100 hp motor not being fast enough. And for 96% of the time I use it, it has been plenty fast. I do not fish competitively. But in recent years, I have gathered many friends who enjoy fishing with me, and I often have 4+ people in my boat fishing with me. In addition, I often make 17 + mile journeys out to remote campsites in Voyager National Park. Several times over the last few years, I have had 4 large adults, with a weeks worth of food and beverage in the boat. It is these times that I have struggled to get on plane. Once on plane, no shortage of top speed.

So, getting to my point(s). I used to look at huge motors (150+) and say to myself ‘Why would someone ever need that kind of horsepower?’ Before passing judgment on how much is too much, please consider how people use the horsepower, and what they need it for.

My advise is that there is a time and a place where it is appropriate to go fast. Open water, good visibility, etc., are the appropriate venues. Crowded lakes, shallow river channels, and unsafe waves are not the time to see how fast your boat can go. If people like to go fast, and it does not endanger others, or themselves, it is their right to do so, within the bounds of the law. I personally hope they enjoy the fruits of their labor. Our public waters are for all to enjoy.

More advise, even a canoe is dangerous in the wrong hands. Be aware of what you are doing, and how it may effect others, and yourself. If someone else’s behavior causes disruption in your activities, they may not be aware of it, or they may not care. For those who are simply not aware of it, a few courteous words, or a non offensive gesture may increase their awareness. Try not to get worked up over idiots, they rarely change. That’s what the law is for. Do what you must, and try to preserve your own enjoyment, even it means turning the other cheek, or moving to a different spot or lake. Contact the DNR if you can.

Thanks for listening. By the way, I put a 175 on a 18.5 foot boat, and yes, I debated the merits of this much horsepower for quite some time.

1st boat – 14 ft plastic canoe.
2nd boat, whatever I could rent/use to put my 10 hp merc on.
3rd boat, 17ft with 70 hp.
4th boat, 17ft with 100 hp.
5th boat, 18.5 ft, 175 hp.

See you all on the water,
Greg P.

[205]

The new Bullets with the big 250-300 hp are pushin 100mph. I said a long time ago in the bass tourneys there's a limit before people start dying. I fish in a tournament in one particular lake thats nothing but a 7 mile long strip pit. Talk about idiots. You can #### near cast across it in places. It is indeed scary. I feel like jkj in some respects. Theres a lot of very young guys out there with a lot of money for the big rockets and never fished out of a canoe. I've got a buddy thats a game warden and we've talked about this. And I think someone else on here hit on it. Dont be surprised if you see speed limits on certain bodies of water. Hey, I think I got a niche! Cabela Brand Radar Detectors! :-);-) Russell

[Scott D]

I think speed limits are a good idea on some lakes. The county I live in has a 45 mph speed limit on all of the lakes except a couple that a restricted to 5 mph only. All of the lakes around here area fairly small and at 45 mph you can get from one end to the other quick enough. The water skiers can ski at less than 45mph and still have fun. (The jet skiers are really annoying, but like someone else said, that's another story)

My boat will do mid sixties but I rarely drive that fast. I usually go about 3/4 throttle, but it is nice to have the extra power if needed. I would really hate to see speed limits placed on all waters; but it could happen someday with more and more boats on the water and a few idiots out there to spoil it for the rest of us. I think that only a very small percentage of people drive out of control and too fast around others to be safe. It only takes a couple of reckless people to give a bad name to the rest of us.

[rodbuster]

When fishing was for fun half the fun was the trip.Now make fishing for money theres not time to have fun.And a few more tournaments to eack lake and see how fsat they go for money.

[water_wolf]

yeah but mean while those rigs are available to anyone with enuff $$$ And some/alot of people get way over their heads. And I dont think anyone was ganging up on "the bass guys" it was merely mentioned that someone had heard of this race type competition. I have not heard of this in pro walleye fishing circuit. I also agree with eddy that anyone new to boating should take a certified safety course. Fishing season rapidly approaching......COME ON MAY!!!
Rich

[Eyecatcher]

I enjoy driving fast (to me 55 mph) when conditions allow. I don't perform dangerous acts or terrorize other boaters in smaller rigs. How fast is fast? Isn't it relative to alot of things? What scares me is I get the sense that a few really stupid folks as usual mess things up for alot of normal folks. Just be careful when you talk about speed limits, HP restrictions, etc., you might be really suprised to find out just how conservative people can be. Maybe 40 mph is too fast, or anything over 100 hp is too big, who decides? We cannot legislate away idiots, they always come back. Last time I checked most states have posted highway speed limits of 65 mph, yet I am routinely passed by people doing 80 plus. So what do we do, lower the speed limit? Enforce the current laws? Make it harder to get a drivers liscence? Common sense, good judgement, and thoughfulness towards others is getting harder to find. But I would ask all to be very careful of wishing for tight controls on anything. Remember, you can legislate common sense. Thanks, I'll climb off my soapbox now.

[dlhomes]

I have a Javelin FS w/ 130 does about 50mph. I always go around other fishermen but... have had several occasions when idiots have drifted or trolled within 25' of me while I was anchored!
Twice I have had to tell people they are about to run over my lines. These people where in 14' basic boats with no common sense. It even happened on LOTW with ???of acres to fish! My pet peeve are the people with fast boats that don't go wide around you. How fast is fast? I thought 50mph was fast until this past summer. I was fishing a reef in a thunder storm and doing pretty good. I was watching for lightning and was nervous. All of a sudden I had my head down and saw the flash, I threw everything down and blasted out of there for home- approx. 3 miles. My boat was not fast enough!!!!!!!! But I made it. P.S. next time someone wants to fish through my spot I'm pulling out my fog horn. I think they'll get the picture.

[Nofish]

LAST EDITED ON Apr-01-01 AT 08:30AM (CST)[p]Hey Ranger,

Speed trolling??

I switched to rubber worms and banjo minnows, they stay on the hook all the way up to 30 mph, and man can you cover the water ths way! :P

Have fun........R

[Sounds to me]

Sounds like you are a little jealous and just plain do not like tournies.

[Cave man]

Simple answer to why people drive their boats fast. Beacause they can. If it is that much of a concern then let's get the right president and congress elected and write new laws banning the use of the internal combustion engine (sound familiar?)on boats and all go back to rowing :-)

Seriously I think the problem lies in the fact that there is no requirement to operation of a boat in the U.S. beyond having the cash to buy a go fast boat and motor. We have to pass a test to get a driver's or CDL license to operate a car or truck. Laws and enforcement help keep the reckless operators off the roads. So far costly repairs or injury/death are the most effective ways of keeping reckless boat operators off the waters.

Alcohol may be a factor in a high % of the reckless operators as indicated by the statistics on boating accident death causes related to drinking.

[GORD]

Tournament guys want faster boats to get out to their spots and back to the weigh in faster. Those weigh stations can be a long way from where the hot fishing is. Perhaps someone could come up with some sort of equalizing formula that would lessen the advantage of having a really fast boat. If the slower boats were given extra time for traveling it might help. They could start a bit earlier. Make the rocket ships be the last ones out and make them come back earlier. This formula would take a bit of thaught. It would have to be fair to everyone. I think that most guys would like this. They could buy cheaper boats and still be competitive. It would also give the entry level a better chance.