Pier etiquette

Maybe some members can give insight on Pier etiquette for new comers and tourist fishermen (like me).

Clean up after yourself (dawg is not your mother) if you don't know ask don't assume, respect the people around you, and if someone is trying to help you its probably because they know what they are doing.

Old but true; “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Be civilized and use a little common sense, you are in a public place that is like home to a lot of folks. A little courtesy will go a long way with people.

Unless you really Know-It-All, don’t act like you do. You will not get help from anybody, regs or fellow tourists.

Don’t leave your catch lying on the deck, dead fish belong in your cooler. There is an actual Pier Rule that states “Catch must be placed in container within 10 minutes.”

Don’t get offended when somebody is fighting a nice fish and tells you to get out of the way. Sometimes in the heat of battle, the word “please” falls by the wayside.

The people who fish the pier a lot are not obligated to give away or loan their gear to anyone, but they often do, be courteous to other people.

Don’t be dropping the F-bomb or other choice words every time you lose a fish or throw your bait off. There are usually a lot of kids around.

If you need gaff/net help decking a fish, ask for help, don’t demand help, you may be on your own. BTW, not cool to just grab a gaff or net lying on the deck, ask the owner first.

If someone growls at you, it means they don’t want your help, or don’t want to help you.
Don’t cut bait or clean fish on the rails and Handicap Stations! Use the bait cutting boards and cleaning tables.

The state owns the pier and ALL the people fishing are visitors, some are just lucky enough to visit the pier year round a bunch more than others.

Don’t leave rods leaning against the rail unattended, your rod can’t move out of somebody’s way by itself, plus a fish might pull it overboard.

When someone leaves the pier, there should be no visible evidence that they were ever there (other than photos). Translated: Clean up your own mess, your momma don’t work at the pier.

If a person can’t understand the pier rules and big signs on the railings, they should ask someone to interpret the rules and signs.

[size=12pt]Thanks Johnnycl for starting this thread, I think a lot of this stuff has been stated before, but is scattered all over the forum. Nothing to add to the etiquette list, but for those who haven’t read the actual Pier Rules, here they are straight the state’s pier site.
I have highlighted in bold, the ones I see violated most, or maybe just totally ignored.

Pier Rules and Regulations
• Limit of 6 rods per fisherman (additional rods brought will be charged $3.50 each)
• No trolley fishing permitted
• Bottom fishing up-wind/up-current
• Float fishing down-wind/down-current
• One fishing rod in use at a time.
• Salt water fishing license required
• Good conduct/sportsmanship required
• One crab basket per person (no wire baskets)(cannot be left unattended and you cannot crab and fish at same time)
• Catch must be placed in container within 10 minutes
• Keep tackle and bait OFF of tables and benches
• Cut your bait at cleaning tables or bait cutting tables only
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times
• No standing or sitting on rails
• No jumping/diving off of pier
• No alcohol allowed on pier
• No cooking on pier
PROHIBITED
• Pets-Soliciting-Shark Fishing-Reels over 4.0-Cast Nets-Gill Nets-Wire Crab Traps-Spears
• Spear Guns-Bed Rolls-Cots-Sleeping Bags-Sleeping-Skates-Skate Boards-Bicycles-Running
• Horseplay-Fireworks-Firearms-Sling Shots-Beach Umbrellas-Lounge Chairs[/size]

Most of it can be distilled down into lugnut's first one. Common sense. 99% of the problems encountered on the pier could be avoided if people would just employ a little bit of it.

Actually my name is Rob. Johnny come lately is used just because I'm a newcomer. The first time I hooked up on the pier, I cut my line to keep from chasing it around. I couldn't imagine asking everyone fishing to give way. Then I met two guys that lives down there and they told me everyone understands if you have to follow your fish around.

I have found that no matter how much one knows he can always learn something new. I also would want someone to point out if I was doing something wrong.

I did the same thing Rob, I stood 20' from the octi and let a king go around it. The next trip I started asking a lot of questions. I was amazed that every one was so helpful. My best advice to any one, is to carry your gear to the end of the pier, and start asking, what do I need to do.

The fact that you have enough sense to ask about pier etiquette is a good indication that you'll fit right in before long. Hope I get the chance to make your acquaintance. I'm still learning, myself and still make idiotic mistakes from time to time.

Welcome to the club.
40 years of pier fishing and I'm still learning.
My friend Paul described it as "situation awareness." :headbang:

Haywire is right on! 8)

I will be down there august 22nd. My wife says that I have never met a stranger. She wonders how I meet so many people while we are on vacation down there. I tell here just carry a fishing pole around on the beach and you will talk to many folks that are curious if you are catching anything. I hope to meet up with two fellows I met and fished with in June. I have already called and told one of them I was headed back. Maybe I will run into a few of you guys!