Personal WaterCraft

[teamyamaharaceing]

What is everyones opion on Personal WaterCrafts? Do you think the sould be different laws and why??

[Mike]

I don't think there would be a need for any new laws if the operators of the things would be more responsible. It's a case of a few making 'em all look bad.

Mike

[walleyechaser]

Although I don't personally have a use for PWCs, I have no problem with them and most of the people who operate them.
The problem arrises when a few inconsiderate clowns think they don't have to abide by existing laws.
On occassion, an adult is the culprit but more often than not its
some kid whose parents don't give a D@#$ that creates a problem.
We have enough existing laws governing boating safety as long as they're enforced. If some kid doesn.t know enough to abide by the law, his parents should be held equally liable. Likewise, if its a repeat/habitual offender, impound the PWC.
A lot of conflicts between fishermen and pleasure boaters could be resolved by simply making a single law that applies to all waters---15 mph speed limit between 6:00 pm and 9:00 am.

[ESOX]

While I agree with most of your post Walleye Chaser, a 15mph speed limit would be unreasonable for guys fishing bigger lakes, it would take me over an hour to make it to what is normally my second stop on Lake St. Clair.

[MGV]

I don't know what to say about them besides they are a pain in my AXX. I feel a little better now that i have a cell phone. I have the DNR/sheriff on speed dial. I was told all you to do is copy thier number down and the type it is. They will take care of it. I have found out that they stay farther away if have a cell phone in your hand. I would like to see them on the water but with better watchful eyes on them. We have to face it the DNR/sheriff cannot keep an eye on them all.

[Magnet]

I'm alright with the PWC's.

It's just like anything else. A few bad duck hunters can leave an impression that all duck hunters are bad apples. A few bad fishermen...... A few bad deer hunters...... A few bad snowmobilers....... A few bad ORV users......

I'm sure you get the picture. A little more enforcment would be ok, but it's impossible to enforce all the laws, on all the bodies of water, at all times. Some people just get a thrill out of being idiots and some others just don't know any better.

I've learned to accept that.

Magnet

[mondrella]

I find them a little annoying at times. The hardy pond on the Mo is close to home and a fun place to fish. The weekends the past 2 years have became a zoo with them at times. Last labor day I was on the pond below Big Bend jigging for eyes when one came by I could have busted him in the head if I would of had My 7' casting rod intead of my 6 footer in my hand. I feel they have as much right to the water as I do. Some just need to show a little more respect to other boaters. As far as the small lakes near my home the more the better just before the gills go to bed. It seems to push them deeper and prevents alot of guys from yanking all the big bulls off the beds.

[RJF]

My 18 year old son does most of the riding with his friends. They ride them quite responsibly. They were taught the right way. Several times he has been stopped, just because he's young. He's always had his boating safety card. Has never had an officer complain about his riding. Just checking for his card.

I understand the people who are against them. I have been splashed by the wakes while fishing. Like the idea of calling the Law. I have done that. Like they say, "a few bad apples..."

Rick

[BEAGLEMAN]

I don't own one so I'm sure my feelings are biased. I have had nothing but bad experiences with them while fishing. But I am sure this is because of the jerks that were operating them. They look like they would be fun when used properly.
Tom

[Getaway]

First off, no new laws are necessary. I mainly fish the big lake and don't really have much of a problem with them on the water. My only complaint is these people need to learn how to properly launch/load those things and get the heck out of the ramp. I can't tell you how many times I've bit my tounge while some dingbat tries to figure out how to get both of his/her waverunners on or off the trailer.

For the most part they are fun to have. If riders keep their distance from boats like they are supposed to, then I have absolutely no problem with them.

Funny Story - I was trolling the mouth of the Au Sable a couple of years ago in the fall for kings. In the pack of boats was a guy trolling with his wave runner and he had a Cannon 4' manual downrigger mounted to the back of it with a rod in place. I never saw him hook anything, but I'm sure it would have been worth video taping for America's funniest videos.