How to Pass a Fishing Boat Safely: Rules, Etiquette & Avoiding Fines

Alright, let's talk about something that seems simple but trips up way too many boaters out there: how should you pass a fishing boat properly? I've been on both sides - chasing tuna offshore and cruising on a ski boat. Trust me, nothing gets the blood boiling faster than someone roaring past your lines like they own the water, especially when you've been sitting on that spot for hours hoping for a bite. It's not just about courtesy; it's solid safety and knowing the rules of the road. Mess this up, and you could ruin someone's day, damage gear, or worse. So, let's break it down and make sure you're doing it right.

Why Getting It Wrong Matters More Than You Think

It's not just about avoiding dirty looks. Passing a fishing vessel incorrectly can:

Snag Lines & Gear: That submerged longline or crab pot buoy you didn't see? Your wake or propeller can destroy it. Ever tried untangling 300 feet of braided line from your prop? It's a nightmare.
Cause Injury: A sudden, large wake can knock people off balance on a deck already slippery with fish slime and water. Rods become projectiles. It's dangerous.
Scare Fish Away: Loud engines and heavy wakes near their gear? That's basically a dinner bell for fish saying "Run away!" Anglers hate it, and you're wrecking their chance at a catch.
Get You Fined: Yep, violating navigation rules (like COLREGs or local boating laws) can land you a hefty ticket from the Coast Guard or marine patrol. Reckless operation charges are no joke.

Understanding the Mindset: What's Happening on that Fishing Boat

Before we dive into the exact steps for how to pass a fishing vessel, put yourself in their deck boots for a sec. That boat isn't just floating; it's likely actively working:

Lines are Out: Think beyond what you see. There could be lines extending horizontally hundreds of feet behind or to the sides (trolling), or vertically down deep (bottom fishing/jigging).
Gear Lurks Below: Lobster traps, crab pots, longlines, gillnets – often marked by small, hard-to-see buoys. Running over these destroys gear and can disable *your* boat.
Focus is Split: The crew is watching rods, managing lines, navigating, maybe handling fish. They aren't always looking out for approaching boats every second.
Stability Issues: Many working fishing boats have a lower freeboard (side height) and can be more susceptible to rocking from wakes than your average cruiser.

Knowing this changes your approach. It's not just another boat; it's a workplace with hidden hazards.

Been There: I remember one scorching summer day off the Outer Banks. We were on a slow drift for flounder, lines deep. A gorgeous 40-foot express cruiser decided the gap between us and a channel marker looked perfect... at full throttle. The wake hit us like a truck. Coolers tipped, rods went overboard (one snapped clean), and a crewmate nearly went swimming trying to grab gear. The cruiser driver just waved, oblivious. That kind of thing sticks with you. Don't be that cruiser driver.

The Universal Rule: Slow Down, Give Space, Pass Astern

This is the golden rule, the core answer to how should you pass a fishing boat. Forget trying to squeeze by the bow or cutting close alongside. Here's the breakdown:

Step-by-Step: The Responsible Pass

Spot the Boat Early: Actively scan ahead. Is it moving slowly? Erratically? Are people visible on deck handling rods? See any buoys nearby? Assume it's fishing until proven otherwise.
Assess the Situation: What's the boat doing? Trolling in a straight line? Drifting? Actively hauling gear? What's the wind and current doing? What's *your* depth? (Shallow water magnifies wake problems).
Slow Down SIGNIFICANTLY: I'm not talking a token rpm reduction. Drop to displacement speed (no wake speed) well before you get anywhere near them. This minimizes your wake immediately and gives you way more control.
Determine the Safe Side:
- Head-On? Both of you should turn starboard (right). Pass port-to-port (left sides facing each other), but give WAY more room than you would passing another cruiser.
- Overtaking / Passing? This is the most common scenario. ALWAYS aim to pass behind the fishing boat (pass astern). Why? That's where their gear usually isn't (especially if trolling).
Communicate Your Intentions: Don't rely on mind-reading. If you see crew looking your way, a friendly wave or point in your intended direction helps. If unsure or in close quarters, a short, polite blast on your horn (1 short blast if turning starboard, 2 short if turning port) can clarify. A VHF call on channel 16 is great too: "[Fishing Vessel Name/Description], this is [Your Boat Name], requesting to pass astern of you to your port/starboard side. Standing by on 16."
Execute the Pass Astern: Give a wide berth. How wide? Much wider than you think. Minimum 300-500 feet is a good rule of thumb, but more is always better, especially if seas are rough or visibility is poor. Maintain your slow speed until you are well clear ahead of them and their gear.
Resume Course Gradually: Only increase speed slowly once you're safely past and far ahead. Avoid kicking up a massive wake right after passing them.

What Does "Wide Berth" Really Mean? (The Numbers Matter)

"Give them space" is vague. Here's a practical guide based on boat size and activity:

Fishing Boat Size/Activity	Minimum Safe Passing Distance (Astern)	Critical Factors to Consider
Small Skiff/Jon Boat (Casting Near Shore)	200+ feet	Very unstable! Tiny wake can swamp them. Lines likely cast in multiple directions.
Average Center Console (Trolling/Drifting)	300-500 feet	Trolling lines likely 100-300ft astern. Buoys possible. Moderate stability.
Larger Sportfish/Cabin Boat (Trolling Offshore)	500-1000+ feet	Longer trolling spreads (outriggers). Often fishing deeper water species. More stable but still susceptible to large wakes damaging gear.
Commercial Trawler/Netter	1000+ feet (1/5 mile MINIMUM)	Massive gear deployed (nets, trawl doors). Gear can extend far below surface. High risk of entanglement. Extreme caution required.
Any Boat Actively Hauling Gear (Pots, Nets, Lines)	AVOID PASSING IF POSSIBLE. If must, 1000+ feet & dead slow.	Crew distracted, gear partially in water, lines under tension. High risk.

Red Flags: When Passing Becomes Really Risky

Some situations demand extra caution or avoiding the pass altogether:

Visible Buoys or Surface Markers: This is a dead giveaway of submerged gear. Passing near them is asking for trouble.
Tows or Dredges: Commercial boats towing gear (looking like they are barely moving but making way) have gear extending far behind. Passing astern might be impossible without crossing their towline – pass only with extreme distance if safe, or communicate clearly.
Boats Circling or "On the Spot": They are likely actively fighting a fish or focused on a specific structure. Give an even wider berth or wait.
Limited Maneuverability: If the fishing boat is constrained by draft, narrow channels, or actively engaged in fishing, they technically have the right of way as a "vessel engaged in fishing" under COLREGs Rule 18. You MUST give way.
Poor Visibility or Rough Seas: If you can't see clearly or control your boat well, passing becomes exponentially more dangerous. Slow right down, establish communication, or wait it out.

Beyond the Basics: Pro Tips & Unwritten Rules

Okay, you know the fundamentals. Here's the stuff seasoned boaters and anglers know that makes the difference between being tolerated and being respected:

Wake Management: It's Not Just Speed

Speed is the biggest factor, but hull design and trim play a role. A deep-V hull at displacement speed makes less wake than a flat-bottomed jon boat. Trim tabs down can help flatten your wake slightly. But honestly? Slow down early and significantly is the 99% solution. Your wake should be virtually non-existent by the time it reaches them.

Reading the Water & Finding the Path

Look for Bubble Trails / Disturbed Water: Sometimes you can see the path of submerged trolling lines if the sun angle is right and the water is clear enough.
Watch the Fishing Boat's Wake: Their own wake can sometimes reveal the direction their gear is trailing.
Scan Religiously for Buoys: Train your eyes to spot those small, often faded, buoys. They can appear suddenly. Assume any small floating object near a fishing boat is gear.
Depth Matters: Shallow water makes your wake bigger and more damaging. Be extra cautious in skinny water.

Local Quirk: Fishing in the Chesapeake Bay taught me to watch for clusters of skinny poles sticking out of the water - marking crab pot trotlines. Hit one of those strings at speed, and you're dragging a dozen pots and a mile of line. Nightmare fuel. Know the local hazards!

Communication: VHF is Your Friend

A quick radio call is massively appreciated and avoids surprises. It's not just for big ships.

Channel 16: The hailing frequency. Keep it brief: "[Fishing Vessel Description/Location], [Fishing Vessel Description/Location], this is [Your Boat Name]." Wait for a response or a moment, then state your intention clearly: "Passing astern of you to your port side, about 500 feet off. Maintaining slow speed."
Switch to a Working Channel: If they respond, they might suggest switching to a different channel (e.g., 68, 69, 72 - commonly used by fishermen) for a clearer chat.
No Response? Proceed with EXTREME caution, assume they haven't seen you, and give even more room. A couple of polite horn blasts (see COLREGs sound signals) might get their attention if they are looking down.

Common Mistakes (And How You'll Piss Off Every Angler)

Let's be blunt. Here's what makes fishermen (and responsible boaters) see red:

The Buzz Cut: Passing way too close, especially at speed. Just... don't.
The Wake Maker: Slowing down only *as* you pass, kicking up a massive wake that hits them seconds later. Slow down WAY earlier.
The Bow Bully: Trying to squeeze between the fishing boat and the shore, or between them and a marker, especially passing ahead. This is often the most dangerous spot for their gear.
The Silent Treatment: No wave, no horn, no radio call. Ambushing them with your presence.
The "I'm Only Going..." Excuse: "I'm only going to the next cove!" doesn't magically shrink your wake or make your close pass safe.
Ignoring Buoys: Running right over marked gear. Instant pariah status.

Making any of these mistakes doesn't just ruin their fishing; it creates a genuine hazard.

FAQs: Clearing Up the Murky Water

Q: Is it EVER okay to pass in front of a fishing boat?

A: Almost never. Seriously. The only conceivable scenario is if the fishing boat is stationary (anchored, not drifting) with absolutely no lines out (highly unlikely), you have confirmed this visually and/or by communication, you are constrained by navigational hazards preventing an astern pass, AND you can pass at a very wide distance and dead slow speed without creating wake. 99.9% of the time, passing astern is the only safe and correct answer when considering how should you pass a fishing boat.

Q: What if the fishing boat is drifting sideways across the channel?

A: Tricky, but doesn't change the core rule. They are likely drifting with lines down. Your safest bet is still to pass astern relative to their drift path, giving maximum space. Communicate on VHF if possible: "[Fishing Boat], this is [Your Boat], drifting near [Location]. I need to pass astern of your drift. I will pass on your [Port/Starboard] side, approximately 500 feet off. Do you copy?". If they are actively blocking a narrow channel, polite communication is key. Remember, they may have limited ability to maneuver quickly.

Q: How slow is "slow speed" or "no wake speed"?

A: Legally, definitions can vary slightly by jurisdiction, but it universally means the speed where your boat is fully settled in the water and creating virtually no wake (displacement speed). For most powerboats, this is roughly 5-7 knots, but it depends entirely on your hull design. The visual cue is the absence of a significant, breaking wake behind you. If you see white water curling off your stern, you're likely going too fast near others.

Q: Who has the right of way, me or the fishing boat?

A: Under the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) - adopted by most countries including the US (Navigation Rules):

A vessel engaged in fishing (with gear deployed that restricts maneuverability) generally has right of way over power-driven vessels (like your pleasure craft) in most crossing or meeting situations (Rules 9, 10, 18).
When you are overtaking any vessel (including a fishing vessel), you are the give-way vessel (Rule 13). You must keep clear. This reinforces the requirement to pass safely astern.

So, in the vast majority of encounters where you are approaching to pass a fishing boat, you must yield and give way.

Q: What are the actual rules/laws?

A: The foundation is the COLREGs (Internationally) and the US Coast Guard Navigation Rules (Inland and International) in the USA. Key rules include:

Rule 5: Look-out (You must maintain a proper look-out using all available means).
Rule 6: Safe Speed (Always be able to take proper action to avoid collision).
Rule 8: Action to Avoid Collision (Make your intentions clear, make early and substantial maneuvers).
Rule 9: Narrow Channels (Keep to starboard, avoid anchoring, vessels < 20m cannot impede safe passage of larger vessels, BUT vessels engaged in fishing cannot impede navigation of *any* other vessel using the channel).
Rule 13: Overtaking (Overtaking vessel keeps clear, pass at a safe distance).
Rule 18: Responsibilities Between Vessels (Vessels engaged in fishing have right of way over power-driven vessels, except when being overtaken, or in narrow channels - see Rule 9).

Bottom Line: Ignorance isn't an excuse. Knowing these basics is crucial for safe boating. Violations can lead to fines or liability if an accident occurs.

What If Things Go Wrong?

Accidents happen, despite best intentions:

You Snag a Line: STOP IMMEDIATELY. Do NOT gun it trying to break free – you'll wrap it tighter and could damage your transmission or cause injury. Put the engine in neutral. Try to visually locate the line. If safe and possible, use a boat hook or carefully (knife on a pole) try to cut it free avoiding any tension. If it's deeply fouled, you may need to call for assistance (Sea Tow, TowBoatUS, or even the Coast Guard if unsafe). Communicate with the fishing boat immediately via VHF! Apologize, explain, coordinate. Offer to pay for damaged gear if it was your fault.
You Hit a Buoy/Pot: Stop. Assess for damage to your hull or propulsion. Retrieve the buoy/marker if possible and safe – the fisherman will desperately want it back. Contact the fishing vessel immediately via VHF. Report the location and buoy description. Cooperate fully.
Your Wake Causes Damage/Injury: Stop. Render aid if needed and safe. Exchange information (boat names, registration numbers). Report the incident to the Coast Guard or local marine authorities as required (especially if injury or significant damage). Your boat insurance (liability coverage) should handle valid claims.

Consequences of Getting It Wrong

Ignoring how should you pass a fishing boat isn't just rude; it has teeth:

Coast Guard Fines: Violating Navigation Rules (like improper lookout, excessive speed, failure to give way) can result in fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Civil Liability: If you damage gear, cause injury, or sink their catch, you can be sued for the costs. Replacement commercial fishing gear is expensive!
Reputational Damage: Word gets around marinas and fishing communities. Being known as a reckless boater isn't a good look.
Physical Danger: Propeller entanglement, collisions, falls overboard – these are real risks from close, fast passes.

Wrapping It Up: Respect is the Rule

Look, at its core, knowing how should you pass a fishing boat boils down to respect and common sense. Respect that they are working (even if it's recreational fishing), respect the hidden dangers of their gear, respect the shared space of the water. Slow down early, give a ridiculously wide berth behind them, communicate if you can, and manage that wake. It doesn't cost you much time, but it makes the water safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Plus, you avoid becoming the subject of some very colorful stories told back at the dock!

Stay safe out there, keep a sharp lookout, and give those hardworking fishing boats the space they need. Tight lines and calm seas.