dipnetting crazies (Anchorage, Kenai, Kasilof: dangerous, safety, trailer)

[polarbytes]

Maybe it's just me, but it seems that this year attracted a larger number of crazies in boats, so much so, that I was actually in fear for our safety on the water this weekend. During Sat's low tide, the water was so churned up that my little boat was shipping a lot of water and we had to bail; we opted out early because of it. It appears that what was such an enjoyable experience just five years ago, has now become a rather dangerous activity. And it is not much more enjoyable dipnetting from shore. Large crowds, pushing and shoving,
etc. Maybe an example of something becoming too popular? And I will show my Peninsula bias here, apologies in advance, but it seems that half of Anchorage must have been down here this past weekend!! But it was probably good for local business. Not sure what I would suggest as a remedy. I do use the fishery just like anyone else, and certainly have no right to exclude anyone.
Just a rant I guess, in what has otherwise been a fabulous summer here on the Kenai.

[Grannysroost]

Originally Posted by polarbytes

Maybe it's just me, but it seems that this year attracted a larger number of crazies in boats, so much so, that I was actually in fear for our safety on the water this weekend. During Sat's low tide, the water was so churned up that my little boat was shipping a lot of water and we had to bail; we opted out early because of it. It appears that what was such an enjoyable experience just five years ago, has now become a rather dangerous activity. And it is not much more enjoyable dipnetting from shore. Large crowds, pushing and shoving,
etc. Maybe an example of something becoming too popular? And I will show my Peninsula bias here, apologies in advance, but it seems that half of Anchorage must have been down here this past weekend!! But it was probably good for local business. Not sure what I would suggest as a remedy. I do use the fishery just like anyone else, and certainly have no right to exclude anyone.
Just a rant I guess, in what has otherwise been a fabulous summer here on the Kenai.

Hubby said people just trying to get boats into the landing were way backed up onto the highway the other day, I don't see how there's room for all of them, so it is rather scary!! We are hoping it settles a little midweek here It has been a much better summer than last year for sure

[Moose Whisperer]

Originally Posted by polarbytes

Maybe it's just me, but it seems that this year attracted a larger number of crazies in boats, so much so, that I was actually in fear for our safety on the water this weekend.

No, it's not just you. I was dipnetting from the north shore, and I can clearly recall at least two instances (on Wed I think) when some A-hole in his machismo-compensating power boat INTENTIONALLY did a speed run along the shore just to kick up a big wake and watch everyone scramble to keep from being swamped. I don't think it's necessarily an Anchorage or city thing, rather I think it is the natural behavior of the beer-drinking, loud-mouth, red-neck, trailer-trash segement of American culture. Say's allot for our cultural morees.

As for the crowds, yes there were allot of people, but most folks I talked with were polite and friendly, and there were so many damn fish on Tue and Wed it wasn't a big problem. Yes, someone would immediately jump in my spot when I pull out a fish, but by the time I got it untangled and in the cooler, that person was coming out with a fish and we would just swap places.

How was the fishing on the weekend? We left on Fri, things are definitely less pleasant when there aren't as many fish to catch.

[warptman]

I'm glad I get my fish out here....

[polarbytes]

We got 15 plus a king, which limited us out for our family. Going out today, now that the crowd has thinned, with some friends who are still trying to fill their freezer. I hope it didn't come across that I was
denigrating the anchorage folks, I'm sure there were a lot of pen. crazies out there as well. After all,
this is an Alaskan priviledge to dipnet on the Kasilof and Kenai rivers, so all are welcome. I can't wait for the Silvers to start showing up, however, as we really like them better.

[JohnPF]

Write down that boat #s and file a complaint with DNR or whoever controls the waters in your area. That will teach the rude ass a costly lesson.

[Metlakatla]

We closed sockeye on weekends to lessen the numbers of out of town idjits.

[polarbytes]

<<Write down that boat #s and file a complaint with DNR or whoever controls the waters in your area. That will teach the rude ass a costly lesson.>>

Well, I'm afraid that would not have been an option, waters were way to rough and boats were going way too fast for that option to have been practicle.

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by polarbytes

Maybe it's just me, but it seems that this year attracted a larger number of crazies in boats, so much so, that I was actually in fear for our safety on the water this weekend. During Sat's low tide, the water was so churned up that my little boat was shipping a lot of water and we had to bail; we opted out early because of it. It appears that what was such an enjoyable experience just five years ago, has now become a rather dangerous activity. And it is not much more enjoyable dipnetting from shore. Large crowds, pushing and shoving,
etc. Maybe an example of something becoming too popular? And I will show my Peninsula bias here, apologies in advance, but it seems that half of Anchorage must have been down here this past weekend!! But it was probably good for local business. Not sure what I would suggest as a remedy. I do use the fishery just like anyone else, and certainly have no right to exclude anyone.
Just a rant I guess, in what has otherwise been a fabulous summer here on the Kenai.

At the Kenai, I imagine. And yes, it gets more crowded each year, even at the Copper. I remember going to the Copper back on the '70s, and most of the time I could count around 20 by O'Brien Creek. Now hundreds of people can be seen going down the canyon.

[Moose Whisperer]

Yep, really getting crazy:

Anchorage men barely escape Kenai disaster: Alaska Newsreader | adn.com